Carney Calls for Canadian Unity Ahead of Alberta Referendum

A week before Alberta’s referendum on its future within Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney has used his Thanksgiving message to urge Canadians to choose national unity and prosperity.

In a video message recorded at his former school, St. Francis Xavier High School in Edmonton, Carney said Canada is facing significant economic and security challenges in a changing world. He stressed that the country would be stronger by working together rather than becoming divided.

Carney highlighted several federal initiatives aimed at addressing Alberta’s longstanding concerns, including scrapping the consumer carbon tax, supporting a proposed pipeline to Canada’s West Coast, and making changes to environmental regulations.

Political science professor Lori Turnbull of Dalhousie University and former Alberta premier Jason Kenney have acknowledged that the new federal government is paying greater attention to Alberta’s concerns and helping pave the way for new investments.

Albertans are scheduled to vote on October 19 on whether the province should remain part of Canada or begin the legal process to hold a binding referendum on separation.