Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to arrive in Alberta next week as the countdown begins for an important referendum vote on Oct. 19, has learned.
Voters will have the chance to weigh in on several issues, including whether or not to separate from Canada.
While the result of that vote won’t instantly lead to separation, it serves as an initial step in determining if a binding referendum on leaving Canada should happen – but regardless of how it goes, it will send a strong signal to those working to keep Canada united versus those pushing for division.
In a related move, the federal government recently designated the Pacific Link oil pipeline, which connects Alberta to the B. C. coast, as a major project of national interest – something Alberta Premier Daneille Smith praised at that time as “demonstrating that co-operative federalism can work in action.”
However, one Albertan participating in the referendum sees potential problems with Ottawa’s motives.
“Those announcements could have been made months ago, but they weren’t,” Angela Tabak, co-founder of Alberta Women’s Independence Network, shared during an interview on Rosemary Barton Live that aired Sunday.
“The political games that get played on the Canadian people, Albertans are not that stupid. We see through it.”
In Tabak’s opinion, “Our voices and our opinions, our way of life, our economies do not count as much when it comes to the federal government making certain decisions as other areas of the country.”
WATCH | A look into both sides of the separation debate:
Will Alberta leave Canada? The campaigns trying to sway the vote
On Oct. 19, residents in Alberta will head to polls regarding whether their province should seek separation from Canada. As this pivotal referendum approaches, CBC’s Nick Purdon travels across both sides of the debate aiming to influence voter opinion.
Allegations of Foreign Interference
As Carney tries to shift perceptions among Albertans who feel similarly to Tabak, another issue looms: The prime minister stated his government is monitoring claims of foreign interference related to the upcoming referendum.
This follows Canada’s new foreign influence commissioner notifying over 60 groups and individuals involved in the Alberta referendum campaign about their legal duties regarding foreign influence reporting.
On Oct. 3, Globe and Mail reported that some advocates for Alberta independence had met with U. S. entities earlier this year.
Pro-separatist organizers were reportedly discussing offering U. S. operatives better access to Alberta’s oil and freshwater resources in return for supporting independence efforts.
WATCH | How should Canada respond to foreign interference threats?:
Should Canada publicly call out foreign meddling in Alberta’s referendum?
There’s increasing evidence suggesting foreign interests are focusing on Albertans just days ahead of their decision about separation. Does Canada possess adequate tools against these threats? A former national security adviser under Justin Trudeau shares insights.
During an interview with CBC chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton airing Sunday, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic Le Blanc downplayed worries about interference.
“I don’t think it’s more intense than we would have expected. We have for some time been aware of different foreign actors that seek to interfere in democratic processes in Canada. It’s not new.”
Asked about Globe and Mail’s reportings , Le Blanc mentioned , “We’ll let those people explain why they thought meeting someone from a foreign administration was beneficial.”
Even more overtly , Tesla and Space X CEO Elon Musk entered into conversation last week , suggesting provinces like Alberta , Quebec , and Saskatchewan should split from Canada via his platform X.
@Polymarket They would be better off. Alberta and Saskatchewan should separate too.
-elonmusk
POLYMARKET They WOULD BE BETTER OFF. ALBERTA AND SASKATCHEWAN SHOULD SEPARATE TOO. —-ELONMUSK
Tesla CEO Musk’s comments faced quick rebuttals from Carney , Smith , and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe. p >
The Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also commented saying “we need less focus on silly tweets by individuals without power over Canadians” while stressing more attention is needed on pressing topics such as affordability. p >
Poiievre noted he plans visit Albeta prior referedum. p >WATCH | Poilievre responds to Musk’s posts urging separation:
Asked if he’s worried about U. S.-based interference concerning separatist movements here in Canada, Pierrepolaisreflectedthat ‘we need t worrylessaboutsillytweetsbypeople whodon’tinfluence what Canadians decide’andmoreonissueslikeaffordability.’Heassertedthatmemesdonotimpact Canada, butthechoicesmadeby Canadiansdo. p >
Howeverforothers, Musk’s unsolicited input raised additional concerns over potential outside influence impactingtheupcomingvote. p >
“I think those who believe there might be benefitsfor Albertans by separating oughtto question why certainpeople southoftheborder thinkthey gainfrom Albertabreakingaway,” said former Alberta NDP premier Rachel Notley during her conversationwith Rosemary Barton Live.”
As voting day draws near Le Blanc expressed confidencein Albertan autonomy overthese choices.”I’mvery surethese decisions, whetherviareferendumorelectionaremadewithvotethatindividuals castinpollingstations.”
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