The oil-rich province of Alberta has rejected the pathway to secession and will remain part of Canada, landing a definitive blow to a fringe but loud campaign which sought support from the US.

Alberta business groups are cheering the decisive win for the “stay” side in Monday’s referendum, but say more work lies ahead in getting the province a fair shake within Confederation.

In early results, about 76 per cent said they wanted the province to stay in Canada, while 24 per cent said they wanted the province to hold a second, binding referendum on leaving the country.