Carney, Alberta Premier Unite Against Separation Ahead Of Canada Referendum

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith joined forces on Friday to oppose separation, as the oil-rich province prepares to vote on October 19 on whether to begin the process towards a future independence referendum.

Carney made a final appeal for national unity at a rally in Edmonton, warning that separation would bring years of uncertainty and lost opportunities. The vote comes amid US President Donald Trump’s trade war and repeated threats to make Canada the 51st US state.

“Turnout will determine the outcome,” Carney told supporters, urging voters not to assume the result was already decided. He called a vote against Canada a “dangerous bluff” that could undermine national stability.

Earlier, Carney appeared alongside Smith in Red Deer, marking an improvement in relations between Ottawa and Alberta. Smith, who previously clashed with former prime minister Justin Trudeau over carbon taxes and energy policies, praised Carney’s efforts to address provincial concerns.

“He can't be all bad, right?” Smith joked, referring to Carney’s Alberta roots and support for the Edmonton Oilers.

Monday’s vote is not a direct independence referendum. Voters will decide whether Alberta should remain a Canadian province or whether the government should begin the legal process for a future binding separation vote. Smith has confirmed that she voted to remain in Canada.

Alberta holds most of Canada’s proven oil reserves, the world’s fourth-largest. Separatists argue that federal policies restrict the province’s economic potential and that its energy wealth disproportionately benefits other regions. The movement has also drawn support from activists whose opposition to COVID-19 restrictions helped fuel resentment towards Ottawa.

Smith called the referendum after facing pressure from separatists within her governing United Conservative Party. She has cited polling showing 22 per cent support for separation, a figure she considers too high.

However, independence would not follow automatically even if voters backed the process. Under Canada’s constitutional framework, negotiations and constitutional amendments would be required. Indigenous groups have also raised concerns about treaty rights.

Federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre also urged Albertans to stay in Canada, saying they should not abandon fellow citizens.

Despite their shared position on unity, Carney and Smith remain divided over nine other ballot questions concerning immigration, provincial services and constitutional powers. Smith wants voters to approve the proposals, while Carney opposes them.