As Albertans consider path to independence, Carney fights to keep Canada united

A vote on the next step

The province is home to most of Canada’s proven oil reserves, the world’s fourth largest. More than 1.35 million Albertans, 43% of eligible voters, had already voted through advance or special ballots.

Carney urges national unity

Carney called for a decisive vote to keep Canada together. At a Friday rally in Edmonton, where he grew up, he said, “Vote like Canada’s future depends on it because it does.” He also argued the vote comes at the “worst possible time,” and urged Albertans not to use it simply to send Ottawa a message. Support for diversifying trade away from the United States drew strong applause at his Calgary and Edmonton rallies, amid President Donald Trump’s trade war and threats to make Canada the 51st U.S. state.

Smith faces political pressure

Smith called the referendum while opposing independence. She cited a poll showing 22% support for separation, saying that level was still too high, and joined Carney in opposing the independence push.

Separatist movement gains ground

Alberta’s conservative political culture and longstanding resentment toward Ottawa have not traditionally produced widespread support for independence. Kenney said separation had been a fringe cause, with independence parties usually winning only 1% or 2% of the vote.

Kenney said the pandemic mobilized activists angered by public health restrictions and government authority. Separatist leader Jeff Rath linked his own move toward independence to federal vaccine mandates, while Let Alberta Decide co-chair Tanya Clemens said restrictions prompted political organizing.

Energy disputes and national strain

Let Alberta Decide co-chair Keith Wilson, a lead lawyer for the 2022 trucker convoy in Ottawa, said Alberta’s concerns extend beyond the pandemic. He argued that federal governments can win elections without substantial support in the province, where the energy industry opposes some federal policies.