Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed a packed crowd of about 5,000 at the Forever Canadian rally in Calgary, warning that external forces are trying to break Canada so they can “own us.” He linked this threat to the ongoing U.S. trade dispute and repeated threats to make Canada the 51st state.
Alberta’s upcoming vote
Alberta will hold a vote on whether to remain a province or begin the legal steps toward a future referendum on separation. The ballot does not directly ask for independence, but it could set the stage for a later independence vote.
Carney told attendees, “This referendum comes at the worst possible time. The world has become more dangerous and divided. Some outside our borders are working to break us so they can own us.” He urged Albertans not to use the vote as a political message, calling a separatist vote “a dangerous bluff” that would sow division and uncertainty.
Economic resilience and energy policy
Carney emphasized the need for Canada to become more economically resilient and less dependent on the United States. He highlighted the Pacific Link pipeline project, which he says will create over 140,000 jobs and generate revenue for social programs, while reducing Canada’s reliance on U.S. markets.
He also referenced U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra’s warning to Canadian politicians about interfering in U.S. midterm elections, joking, “Careful, they might think that’s election interference. A little touchy,” which drew laughter from the crowd.
Opposition voices
Tanya Clemens, co‑chair of the pro‑independence group Let Alberta Decide, called Carney “formidable” but said his agreements with Premier Danielle Smith were merely “pinky promises” that fail to address long‑standing grievances with Ottawa.
Keith Wilson, another Let Alberta Decide leader, rejected Carney’s argument that global instability makes the vote ill‑timed, saying, “The worst timing for this, why? I don’t understand what’s the logic. Then it’s the best time for him to get back to Ottawa.” Wilson warned that the federal government could soon impose a tax on oil exports as leverage against the United States.
Local political context
Premier Danielle Smith, who supports Alberta remaining in Canada, cast her ballot and urged voters to keep the province within the federation, noting that while support for separation remains high, Canada can still work with needed changes.
Political scientist Daniel Béland of McGill University described Carney’s popularity in Alberta as “highly unusual” for a Liberal prime minister, noting a “Trump effect” where President Trump’s trade war and statehood threats have rallied Canadians around their leader, even in traditionally opposition‑leaning provinces.
The vote runs through Saturday, with the final tally expected on Monday.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
