Carney Urges Alberta to Stay in Canada Before Separation Vote

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday urged Alberta residents to remain part of Canada as the province prepares for an Oct. 19 vote on whether to begin a referendum process on separation, warning that the move could create a long and uncertain path during a period of national pressure.

The vote asks Albertans whether the province should stay in Canada or start the process of holding a referendum on leaving the country. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the vote but supports remaining in Canada.

Carney, who grew up in Edmonton, said the decision comes as Canada faces economic and sovereignty challenges, including tensions with the United States. He pointed to major projects such as a proposed West Coast pipeline, housing initiatives and high-speed rail as examples of what can be achieved through national cooperation.

"This year, Thanksgiving is a bit different. A week from today, Albertans will have the opportunity to make an important decision about their future, whether to remain part of Canada or begin a long and uncertain process through which Alberta could separate from Canada." said Mark Carney, Canadian Prime Minister.

Carney described national unity as important for completing large-scale projects and responding to external pressures. His message came during Canada's October Thanksgiving holiday, which differs from the November holiday observed in the United States.

"Canada is working. Truth is, we can’t achieve any of this if we’re divided. You can’t build big things on fault lines." said Mark Carney, Canadian Prime Minister.

Carney also said Canada faces significant challenges and argued that cooperation between provinces and the federal government remains necessary. He referenced security and economic concerns while urging Albertans to consider the country's future.

"We have to be strong and we are stronger together." said Mark Carney, Canadian Prime Minister.

"Generations of Albertans helped build this country. It’s yours. It’s ours. And it’s worth fighting for." said Mark Carney, Canadian Prime Minister.

Alberta's independence movement has expanded after years of organizing, with some leaders emerging from the 2022 "Freedom Convoy" protests that began over COVID-19 vaccine mandates for cross-border truckers and later expanded into demonstrations against pandemic restrictions and the Liberal government of then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Keith Wilson, a leader of the independence movement, argued that Alberta should move toward a separation referendum. He said the province needs stronger negotiating power with Ottawa.

"What protects us when Ottawa turns against Alberta again?" wrote Keith Wilson, independence movement leader.

Wilson has also called for support for a separation referendum, describing it as a way to seek "leverage and lasting change" in Alberta's relationship with the federal government.

Smith has said recent polling showed support for separation at about 22%, a figure she described as too high despite her position that Alberta should remain in Canada.

"still too high for my liking." said Danielle Smith, Alberta Premier.

Carney warned Albertans that a future vote in favor of separation would not immediately make the province independent. According to a 1998 Supreme Court ruling cited in the report, provinces cannot leave Canada unilaterally and negotiations with the federal government would be required.

"long and uncertain process" said Mark Carney, Canadian Prime Minister.

"real threats to our economy, to our security, to our way of life," said Mark Carney, Canadian Prime Minister.