Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a strong pro-Canada message during his visit to Alberta on Thursday, part of his extensive tour across the province ahead of the upcoming referendum on separation. Encouraging supporters in Calgary, Carney urged Albertans not only to vote in favor of remaining part of Canada but also to reject the additional nine questions on the ballot, which address topics such as immigration restrictions and constitutional changes.
Carney is set to join former Alberta deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk at a rally for the Forever Canadian group and attend a pro-unity event with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in Red Deer. He will also participate in another rally in his hometown of Edmonton. Emphasizing the importance of individual votes, Carney stated, “Polls don’t vote. People do.”
The critical vote on October 19 follows a long history of Western grievances and a feeling of disconnection. The referendum, triggered by separatists after a lowered threshold set by Smith, includes 10 questions covering various issues, including immigration and constitutional matters, along with the central question of Alberta’s future within Canada.
During discussions with pro-unity advocates, Carney advocated for voting to remain part of Canada and rejecting the other nine questions, echoing the movement’s slogan against those additional referendum queries. These questions involve topics like limiting immigrants’ access to social programs and abolishing the Senate.
In response to inquiries about his position, a spokesperson for Carney emphasized the federal government’s collaboration with Alberta on shared priorities, highlighting the need for unity in challenging times. Carney has been highlighting the Liberal government’s revised approach to energy projects in the lead-up to the referendum.
Smith expressed disagreement with Carney on the nine questions, suggesting that a “yes” vote on those queries would signal to Ottawa the provinces’ desire for increased autonomy. The two leaders have found common ground on some issues, but they differ on the referendum questions.
Carney’s visit to Calgary was met with enthusiastic support, with many attendees wearing Canadian colors and waving flags. At the University of Calgary, students swarmed around Carney, with one even requesting his autograph (which he declined).
The government’s last-minute efforts include a new video campaign emphasizing national unity and strength, with a cost of approximately $250,000. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is also promoting unity in Alberta, appearing alongside Smith at a conference in Calgary.
As Albertans continue to cast their votes in advance polls, the referendum on Monday carries significant importance for the province and the country as a whole.
