Carney urges Alberta to reject separation in vote Monday
What's new: More than 450,000 Albertans had already voted early or by mail before the referendum on leaving Canada.
Prime Minister Mark Carney urged Albertans to vote against separation as the province heads toward a Monday referendum on whether to stay in Canada or begin the process for a binding independence vote. Speaking at a pro-unity rally in Calgary, Carney called the stakes high and warned voters not to assume polling in favor of staying will decide the outcome. More than 450,000 Albertans have already cast ballots early or by mail. Premier Danielle Smith, who called the 19 October vote after a citizen petition drive, has argued Alberta should remain in Canada while framing the referendum as a way to hear public frustration over federal policy, especially environmental rules affecting the oil and gas sector.