By Staff
The Canadian Press
Posted May 14, 2026 12:05 pm
Updated May 14, 2026 2:35 pm
1 min read
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Prime Minister Mark Carney says the best place for Alberta to be is in Canada.
His comment comes a day after a judge threw out an Alberta petition calling for a referendum on separation.
The judge ruled the petition shouldn’t have been issued under provincial law and that Premier Danielle Smith’s government neglected its duty to consult First Nations.
Smith called the ruling “anti-democratic” and said the government would appeal.
Carney says referendums are part of any democracy but that rules also need to be followed.
“That means respecting the rights of indigenous peoples.”
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He says that also means respecting the “Clarity Act,” a federal law that gives Ottawa a say on whether any separation question is clearly understood and what should be considered a sufficient majority vote.
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“Ultimately, Parliament has a role in making the judgment about the question,” Carney told reporters in Ottawa on Thursday.
“As someone who was raised in Alberta, a proud Albertan, I view very much, the best place for Alberta is in Canada — and certainly a Canada that works, which is what we are pursuing.”
“I think the evidence — well — others will judge, but we’re making that progress on behalf of Albertans,” Carney added.
“By making Alberta stronger, we’re making all of Canada stronger.”
Smith is now facing calls to put the separation question on a ballot herself.
She said she needs to discuss the court decision with her United Conservative Party caucus and cabinet members.
With files from Global News.
3:56
Danielle Smith says province to appeal Alberta judge’s ruling against separation petition
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