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Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the nation from a classroom in Alberta on Thanksgiving morning, addressing the non-binding question tied to Alberta’s potential separation from Canada in the upcoming referendum.
“A week from today, Albertans will have the opportunity to make an important decision about their future,” Carney said as he sat at a desk in his alma mater, St. Francis Xavier High School, in west Edmonton.
“Now, I have some perspectives on this choice. I grew up in Alberta.”
Albertans are preparing to go to the polls on Oct. 19 for a 10-question referendum. The final question asks whether Alberta should remain a province of Canada, or hold a second, binding referendum on separating from the country.
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“I’m back home a lot these days because we are building big things again in Alberta,” Carney said, referencing the federal government’s housing initiatives, a proposed high-speed rail route from Edmonton to Calgary and the newly proposed pipeline stretching from Alberta’s oilfield to the West Coast.
“We can’t achieve any of this if we’re divided. You can’t build big things on fault lines.”
Carney continued, referencing recent threats to Canada’s economy and security.
“Generations of Albertans helped build this country,” he said. “It’s yours, it’s ours, and it’s worth fighting for.”
Lori Williams, associate professor of policy studies at Calgary’s Mount Royal University, said the prime minister’s statement could boost his popularity in Alberta.
“[Carney] is the most popular politician in the province right now,” Williams said. “That idea of inspiring people about the future of Canada might have some resonance.
“On the other hand, [Premier] Danielle Smith has scrupulously avoided saying too much about the referendum questions.”
CBC News requested comment from Smith’s office on the prime minister’s address.
“We encourage Albertans to visit albertareferendum2026.ca where they can view the 10 ballot questions and access information on these important issues to inform their vote,” Sam Blackett, Smith’s press secretary, wrote in an emailed statement.