Edmonton (Canada) (AFP) – Separatists in Canada’s Alberta province say their independence fight is not over despite a decisive referendum loss, risking long-term political turmoil in an oil-rich province crucial to the Canadian economy.

The western province chose overwhelmingly on Monday to remain a part of Canada, with 75.5 percent of voters rejecting a plan to move forward with a binding independence referendum.

As he entered parliament on Tuesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “thrilled that Albertans have chosen unity.”

Asked what message he’d like to deliver to the separatist side, Carney, who grew up in Alberta, said: “The result is absolutely clear. It’s a large majority for Canada and now is the time to work together.”

But separatist leaders projected a starkly different message after the results came in.

Jeffrey Rath, a top official with the Alberta Prosperity Project who met with US officials earlier this year to discuss support for the secession project, said the fight would “absolutely” continue.

“We’ve created a massive movement in this province,” he said. “We’re continuing to move forward.”

Rath told reporters it was impossible to win an independence referendum while Alberta is led by someone who supports Canadian unity.

He vowed to challenge Premier Danielle Smith, who aligned with Carney, and “to take control back” of Alberta’s conservative movement.

“We will form a government, period,” he said.

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