Carney urges Albertans to keep Canada united ahead of separation vote

EDMONTON — Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is “worth fighting for” a week before Albertans vote on whether to hold a future binding referendum on separating from the country.

“This year, Thanksgiving is a bit different,” Carney said in a video message posted Monday and filmed at his old high school in Edmonton.

“A week from today, Albertans will have the opportunity to make an important decision about their future: whether to remain part of Canada or begin a long and uncertain process through which Alberta could separate from Canada.”

READ MORE: Carney says Canada 'worth fighting for' as Alberta separation vote nears

READ MORE: Albertans vote on separation referendum question Oct. 19

Albertans will vote on Oct. 19 on a 10-question referendum, with the final question asking whether the province should remain a province of Canada or hold a second, binding separation referendum.

What did the prime minister say in his address?

Carney delivered his Thanksgiving Day message from a classroom at his alma mater, St. Francis Xavier High School, in west Edmonton.

“Now, I have some perspectives on this choice. I grew up in Alberta,” he said as he sat at a desk.

He said the federal government is building “big things” in Alberta, including a new pipeline to the West Coast, housing initiatives and a proposed high-speed rail route from Edmonton to Calgary.

“We can't achieve any of this if we're divided,” Carney said. “You can't build big things on fault lines.”

Carney also said the country must be strong as it faces threats to its economy, security and culture, and that we are “stronger together.”

“Generations of Albertans helped build this country,” he said. “It's yours, it's ours, and it's worth fighting for.”

How are other political leaders responding?

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is scheduled to speak in Calgary on Friday, urging the province to stay within Canada.

Nosy Mag reported earlier this week that Poilievre will address a conference in Calgary days before the vote.

In his own Thanksgiving message, BC NDP Leader David Eby, who is in the middle of a provincial election campaign, encouraged Albertans to vote for unity with Canada.

He said the two provinces have bonds of family, friendship and business and are “stronger together.”

What is the position of Alberta's premier?

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has scrupulously avoided saying too much about the referendum questions, according to Lori Williams, an associate professor of policy studies at Mount Royal University in Calgary.

CBC News requested comment from Smith's office on the prime minister's address.

“We encourage Albertans to visit albertareferendum2026.ca where they can view the 10 ballot questions and access information on these important issues to inform their vote,” Sam Blackett, Smith's press secretary, wrote in an emailed statement.

What is the context of the referendum?

The Oct. 19 vote is a non-binding referendum. The final of 10 questions asks whether Alberta should remain a province of Canada, or hold a second, binding referendum on separating from the country.

Nosy Mag reported last week that the federal government is investing billions in Alberta military projects as the province prepares to vote on its future in Canada.

Could the prime minister's message have an impact?

Lori Williams said the prime minister's statement could boost his popularity in Alberta.

"[Carney] is the most popular politician in the province right now," Williams said. "That idea of inspiring people about the future of Canada might have some resonance."

She added that Premier Smith has deliberately avoided extensive commentary on the referendum.

The referendum vote is scheduled for Oct. 19.

With files from The Canadian Press, iPolitics and CBC News