Most Alberta voters rejected a proposal to initiate the process for a future binding referendum on independence, according to preliminary results cited by CBC

The oil-rich Canadian province of Alberta has voted to remain part of the country, with most voters rejecting a proposal to move toward an independence referendum, national broadcaster CBC reported on Tuesday.

The vote comes amid purported contacts between pro-independence activists and US officials, as well as mounting tensions between Alberta and the federal government in Ottawa. The dispute centers on what advocates of independence see as insufficient attention to the province’s interests.

The preliminary results showed that 76.2% of voters backed remaining a Canadian province, while 23.8% supported initiating the legal process for a future binding referendum on independence.

Located in western Canada, Alberta borders the US state of Montana and is home to about 5 million people.…