Mark Carney warns US is trying to break Canada amid Alberta independence referendum vote

A vote on separation process

Albertans will decide whether to remain a Canadian province or direct their government to start the legal process toward a separation referendum. The province has the world’s fourth-largest proven oil reserves.

Carney spoke at a pro-Canada rally in Calgary before the vote. He urged voters not to treat their choice as a way to send a message to Ottawa, warning it could bring years of division and uncertainty.

Carney warns of outside pressure

Carney said that some forces beyond Canada’s borders were seeking to weaken the country so they could control it. He did not name the United States or President Donald Trump in that speech.

Alberta grievances and trade

Many Albertans have concerns about immigration, federal authority and the management of the oil industry. Carney, who grew up in Alberta, acknowledged that people in the province had real frustrations and said Ottawa had made them feel their resources were not their own.

Mitch Sylvestre, head of the Alberta Prosperity Project, said US interests would not matter until separatists won and formed a government. He said he would support free-flowing trade and saw no reason to stop trading with the US.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has described Alberta as a natural partner for the United States. Leaders of the Alberta Prosperity Project have also held several meetings at the State Department.