Carney presses Alberta unity push before Oct. 19 separation vote
What's next: More than 450,000 ballots are already cast, and Premier Danielle Smith has pledged a binding process if separatists win.
Prime Minister Mark Carney spent two days in Alberta urging voters to reject separation ahead of the province’s Oct. 19 referendum, calling it the wrong moment for a rupture with Canada. At a Calgary rally and in local media appearances, Carney warned against complacency even as polls show most Albertans favor staying in the federation. More than 450,000 people have already voted early or by mail. Premier Danielle Smith, who opposes independence, called the non-binding vote after a grassroots petition drew about 300,000 signatures. She has committed to start a legally binding separation process if a majority backs it, and to shelve another referendum if voters choose to remain. The campaign has centered on long-running anger over federal energy and environmental policy in the oil-rich province.