Carney Urges Unity in Thanksgiving Message Ahead of Alberta Referendum
Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a video address from his former high school in Edmonton on Thanksgiving morning, urging Albertans to reject division ahead of an October 19 non-binding referendum that includes a question on separation.
Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the nation on Thanksgiving morning from a classroom at St. Francis Xavier High School in west Edmonton, his alma mater, delivering a message directed at Albertans ahead of an upcoming vote.
Albertans are scheduled to vote on a 10-question referendum on October 19. The final question on the ballot asks whether Alberta should remain a province of Canada or hold a second, binding referendum on separating from the country.
In his statement, Carney emphasized unity and argued that national division prevents the achievement of major infrastructure and economic goals. He referenced several federal government initiatives, including housing projects, a proposed high-speed rail route from Edmonton to Calgary, and a newly proposed pipeline from Alberta’s oilfield to the West Coast.
The referendum poses a potential threat to Canadian unity by asking about separation. In response to the upcoming vote, Sam Blackett, press secretary for Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, issued a statement encouraging Albertans to visit albertareferendum2026.ca for information on the ballot questions.