Carney urges unity ahead of Alberta's Oct. 19 separation referendum
The prime minister filmed his Thanksgiving address at his old Edmonton high school, pointing to a planned West Coast pipeline as proof of what Canada can build together.
Why it matters
The Oct. 19 vote could set Alberta on a path toward a binding separation referendum, making it a pivotal moment for the province's future within Canada.
Prime Minister Mark Carney devoted his Thanksgiving message to Alberta's upcoming separation referendum, telling Canadians the country is "worth fighting for." In a video posted Monday and filmed at his former high school in Edmonton, Carney noted he grew up in Alberta and said Thanksgiving "is a bit different" this year with the vote just a week away.
Albertans go to the polls Oct. 19 to decide whether the province should remain in Canada or move toward a second, binding separation referendum. Carney said the federal government is working on "big things" in Alberta, including a new pipeline to the West Coast, but argued those goals can't be met if the country is divided. "You can't build big things on fault lines," he said, adding that Canada must stay strong amid threats to its economy, security and culture.
Other political figures also weighed in around the holiday. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is set to speak in Calgary on Friday to urge Albertans to stay within Canada. B.C. NDP Leader David Eby, currently campaigning in a provincial election, used his own Thanksgiving message to encourage Albertans to vote for unity, citing family, friendship and business ties between the two provinces.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.