Carney urges Alberta to reject separation path in Monday’s vote

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urged voters at a rally in Edmonton on Friday to reject a proposed route towards Alberta’s separation from Canada. The province votes on Monday, 19 October, but the ballot will not decide independence. [3] [4]

Voters will choose between Alberta remaining a Canadian province and asking its government to begin the legal process required for a later, binding provincial referendum on separation. Monday’s result is itself non-binding, according to Elections Alberta. [4]

“A vote against Canada is a dangerous bluff that will lead to years of deep uncertainty and lost opportunities for Albertans and Canadians,” Carney told the rally. He said the referendum came at the “worst possible time” and urged supporters not to assume the outcome was settled. [2] [3]

Alberta’s premier, Danielle Smith, opposes independence despite having called the referendum. She appeared alongside Carney earlier on Friday in a show of opposition to separation, although the two disagree over nine other questions on Monday’s ballot concerning immigration and provincial powers. [3]