David Cameron says Alberta secession vote not comparable to Brexit
Speaking at a Calgary energy conference, the former UK prime minister said Alberta's October vote concerns the future of a country rather than trade-bloc membership.
Why it matters
Alberta voters are weighing a secession vote in October, and outside comparisons to Brexit and Scotland's independence debate are shaping public discussion of the issue.
Former British prime minister David Cameron, who led the UK through the 2016 Brexit referendum, told an energy leadership conference in downtown Calgary on Monday that Alberta's prospective separation vote can't be compared to that debate. He largely avoided direct comment on Alberta's own secession discussion, but said the province's October vote is about the future of a country rather than a trade association.
Cameron, who governed the UK for six years leading up to the Brexit vote, also reflected on Scotland's 2014 independence referendum, calling the prospect of a fragmented United Kingdom a tragedy. He said, however, that declining to hold that referendum would have built resentment and made the situation worse.
He described feeling nervous ahead of the Scottish vote, noting that once a referendum is called, its outcome cannot be guaranteed. The remarks came as Alberta prepares for its own vote on secession from Canada next month.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.