CALGARY, Alberta — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated on Thursday that there “couldn’t be a worse time” for Alberta, rich in oil resources, to consider a potential referendum on separation from Canada, as he promoted national unity in Calgary during advance voting.
The vote scheduled for Monday is not directly about independence. Instead, Albertans will choose whether to stay a province or direct the government to start the legal steps toward a future separation referendum.
“There couldn’t be a worse time for this referendum,” Carney told volunteers advocating for Canada while encouraging voter turnout. “It’s a dangerous and divided world. And it’s time for us to come together and support one another.”
Though Carney didn’t mention U. S. President Donald Trump specifically, his comments came amid Trump’s ongoing trade tensions with Canada, economic instability due to tariffs, and continuous threats regarding making Canada the 51st state. Carney has consistently emphasized the need for Canada to strengthen its economy and reduce dependence on the United States.
“We are stronger together and Canada is worth fighting for,” Carney told the supporters.
Carney began his Thursday schedule with three stops before heading to the main event of the day-a Forever Canadian rally at the BMO Centre-where he was expected to advocate for keeping Alberta as part of Canada. Organizers also planned another rally featuring Carney in Edmonton on Friday.
He highlighted many Albertans who were born or educated elsewhere in Canada, along with firefighters who travel from all over the country to assist during wildfires as examples of connections that link Alberta with the rest of Canada.
“We’re making ourselves stronger as a country, stronger as Albertans,” Carney remarked. He encouraged volunteers to ensure voters make their voices heard by casting their ballots by Monday.
This setting is unusual for a Liberal prime minister since Alberta has had decades of conflict with Liberal administrations in Ottawa, especially concerning energy issues and federal authority. However, Carney has diverged from some policies linked with his predecessor Justin Trudeau by fast-tracking plans for new oil pipelines to the Pacific and declaring Canada an energy superpower.
This shift complicates matters for those advocating separation. Tanya Clemens, co-chair of Let Alberta Decide-a pro-independence group-acknowledged that Carney poses significant challenges.
“He’s formidable for sure,” Clemens shared with The Associated Press.
However, Clemens contended that agreements made between Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith are merely “pinky promises” failing to address longstanding grievances against Ottawa.
Smith initiated this vote but favors remaining within Canada; she cast her ballot Wednesday supporting that position. She mentioned her concern about how strong support for separation remains among certain groups.
“Canada can still work,” Smith said after voting. “We just need to make some changes.”
Thomas Lukaszuk, former deputy premier of Alberta leading Forever Canadian-a pro-Canada group-pointed out that unexpected backing has emerged from traditional conservatives toward Carney’s initiatives. p>
At re cent fu ndraiser held at Calgary’s Ranchmen’s Club-a private venue frequented by oil and gas executives- Lukaszuk noted one influential executive referred to himself as “a Ca r ne y conservative”-which received applause from attendees.
Lukaszuk expressed that if Trudeau were still in office , t he political landscape would look “very much” different.
Daniel Béland , political science professor at Mc Gill University , described Ca r ne y ’s popularity in Alberta as “highly unusual” fo r any Liberal prime minister. He indicated that Ca r ne y has benefited f rom what he called t he “Trump effect,” where Trump’s trade disputes and threats have united Canadians around their leader-even within A lb e rt A. p >
The re ferendum signifies an impressive surge fo r an idea once pushed aside i nt o t he fringes o f Alberta’s politics. Following t he COVID-19 pandemic along wi th t he 2022 Freedom Convoy , activists who opposed vaccine mandates turned their focus toward independence efforts. p >
The convoy began due t o vaccine requirements affecting cross-border truckers but expanded into broader protests against pandemic restrictions , causing significant disruptions across downtown Ottawa along w ith major border crossings between Canada and th e US. p >
Clemens argued that COVID hastened this movement by teaching individuals how political organization works while increasing involvement in party politics. She claimed separatists view Monday’s vote not just as progress towards independence but also as leverage against negotiations with Ottawa.
Advance voting continues through Saturday , culminating in final votes on Mo nd ay. P>
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