Mark Carney urges Alberta to reject separation vote in Toronto message
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered an address from Toronto on Monday urging Alberta to remain part of Canada. The statement addresses an upcoming ballot that could start procedures for the province to leave the country. He warned that the vote would begin a long and uncertain process.
Canada celebrates Thanksgiving in October. Carney spoke to Canadians during a holiday message on Monday.
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.
The Oct. 19 vote asks citizens if Alberta should remain in Canada. It asks if the province should start steps toward an exit vote.
Alberta’s independence movement grew over years of organizing. Some leaders emerged from the 2022 Freedom Convoy. That action started as a protest against COVID-19 vaccine mandates for cross-border truckers. It became weeks of protests against pandemic rules and then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau‘s Liberal government.
The ballot approaches during trade tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump has made threats to Canadian sovereignty. He has talked about making Canada the 51st American state.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the vote. She supports remaining in Canada.
Smith said recent polling showed separation support near 22 percent. She called that number still too high for her liking.
Independence leader Keith Wilson urged citizens to back the path toward separation. Wilson stated on social media that the province needs leverage and lasting change in dealings with Ottawa.
Carney grew up in Edmonton. He cited a proposed West Coast pipeline from Alberta as proof of progress inside Canada. The project aims to open new markets. It would help diversify oil exports beyond the United States.
Carney also cited new housing and high-speed rail. He argued division harms major construction projects across the country.
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.
Carney said Canada faces threats to its economy, security and way of life. He stated the country is stronger together.
He noted generations of Albertans helped build the nation. He said the country remains worth fighting for.
A provincial referendum vote does not immediately establish independence under Canadian law. A 1998 Supreme Court ruling established that provinces cannot leave unilaterally. Formal negotiations with the federal government must follow any exit decision.
Carney delivered his remarks to the country from Toronto before the scheduled provincial vote.
