Full Breakdown
Prime Minister Mark Carney urges Albertans to stay united ahead of separation referendum
By Drooid · · How we work
Carney’s Thanksgiving video
On Thanksgiving morning, Prime Minister Mark Carney recorded a video from his former high school in west Edmonton. He framed the upcoming provincial vote as a pivotal choice for Albertans, linking national security and economic stability to the decision. Carney highlighted recent federal investments—new housing programs, a proposed high-speed rail corridor between Edmonton and Calgary, and a pipeline to the West Coast—arguing that such projects could not proceed if the province were divided.
Context of the Alberta referendum
Alberta is scheduled to hold a non-binding, ten-question referendum in October. The final question asks voters to decide whether the province should remain a province of Canada or trigger a second, binding referendum on separation.
Official statements & responses
He emphasized that generations of Albertans “built this country” and that the outcome is “worth fighting for.”
Verbatim quotes
- “A week from today, Albertans will have the opportunity to make an important decision about their future,” — Mark Carney, prime minister
- “I'm back home a lot these days because we are building big things again in Alberta,” — Mark Carney, prime minister
- “We can't achieve any of this if we're divided. You can't build big things on fault lines.” — Mark Carney, prime minister
- “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
- “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,” — Mr. Carney, prime minister
- “The Premier has been clear that our government, caucus, and party support Alberta remaining in Canada, and we will continue to work to get a strong mandate from Albertans for more sustainable immigration policies and to pursue constitutional reforms that increase our province’s sovereignty within Canada,” — Mr. Blackett, Smith's press secretary