Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urged Albertans to reject independence ahead of a non-binding referendum, warning that separation would bring years of uncertainty. Speaking at a rally in Calgary, Carney dismissed polls showing less than 25% support for secession, stating, "polls don't vote." He framed the vote as a critical moment for national unity, arguing that leaving Canada would be a "dangerous bluff" with severe economic consequences.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who opposes independence, called the referendum to address growing separatist sentiment. If a majority votes for independence, Smith has pledged to initiate a legally binding separation process. Mitch Sylvestre, leader of the Alberta Prosperity Project, predicted separatists could win or secure at least 40% of the vote, signaling strong mobilization.
Carney has positioned Alberta's oil industry as key to Canada's economic future, contrasting his approach with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's environmental policies. He supports new pipelines and increased crude production, aiming to reduce dependence on the U.S. after what he described as permanently fractured economic ties under President Donald Trump.
Experts note Alberta's separatist movement is largely driven by economic grievances, particularly oil industry management, making it an outlier compared to other secessionist groups. Carney also warned of foreign interference, emphasizing that Canada expects other nations, including the U.S., to stay out of its elections.