Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged Albertans to vote against separation from Canada in Monday’s referendum, warning that the stakes are high and calling for a decisive result in favour of national unity. Speaking to more than 7,000 supporters at a pro-unity rally in Calgary on Thursday, Carney cautioned that voter turnout would determine the outcome despite polls indicating majority support for remaining in Canada.
More than 450,000 Albertans have already cast ballots through advance voting or by mail. The October 19 referendum will ask whether Alberta should remain part of Canada or begin the process of holding a binding vote on independence. Premier Danielle Smith called the referendum following a petition campaign that gathered approximately 300,000 signatures. While Smith supports Alberta remaining in Canada, she has defended the vote as an opportunity for residents to express their views.
Carney warned that separation could create significant economic uncertainty at a time of growing international tensions and U.S. trade pressures. Acknowledging longstanding frustrations among Albertans, he highlighted his government’s commitment to supporting the province’s energy sector, including plans to accelerate approval of a proposed oil pipeline to the Pacific coast.
The prime minister also encouraged voters to reject nine additional referendum questions, several of which concern provincial control over immigration. Smith criticized his position, arguing that federal immigration policies have contributed to Alberta’s affordability challenges. Carney is scheduled to attend another pro-unity rally in Edmonton, while Smith and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre are expected to appear at a separate unity event in Calgary. Supporters of Alberta independence are also organizing a final rally in Edmonton ahead of Monday’s vote.
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