Poilievre tells Albertans not to 'quit' on Canada before Monday's vote
With Alberta's referendum days away, the federal Conservative leader and Prime Minister Mark Carney both made appeals in the province urging voters to stay in Confederation.
Why it matters
The outcome of Monday's vote could determine whether Alberta moves toward a binding referendum on leaving Canada.
Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre delivered a speech in Calgary on Thursday urging Albertans to reject separation, saying he understands the frustration behind separatist sentiment but that leaving Canada is not the answer.
Poilievre said quitting would be the easy way out and argued Albertans are not quitters. He said the solution to Canada's problems is to restore the greatness of a country built and defended over generations, rather than walk away from it.
Poilievre's remarks came as he and Prime Minister Mark Carney both made last-ditch appeals in Alberta ahead of Monday's referendum, when Albertans will vote on whether the province should remain in Canada or proceed to a second, binding referendum on leaving Confederation.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.