EDMONTON \u2014 Prime Minister Mark Carney continues his pro-Canada campaign in Alberta as the clock ticks down to a referendum on whether the province should break up with Confederation.<\/p>\n
He is set to visit Red Deer with Premier Danielle Smith today and later rally in Edmonton with the federalist group Forever Canadian.<\/p>\n
Carney spoke Thursday at one of the group\u2019s rallies in Calgary, telling the crowd of roughly 5,000 that a vote against Canada is a dangerous bluff that could lead to years of lost opportunities.<\/p>\n
He says frustrations in Alberta are real but that Canada is working in the spirit of co-operative federalism.<\/p>\n
Smith has put 10 questions on Monday\u2019s referendum, including one on whether Alberta should stay in Canada or hold a second, binding vote on leaving.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Smith and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre will both speak at a conference in Calgary about keeping Alberta in the Confederation fold.<\/p>\n
With voters just days away from the polls, those who attended Thursday\u2019s rally said Albertans in favour of separation have valid concerns, but Canada is worth fighting for.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DHKW7ONRJCTLJEPZFW6E53MPDI.jpg\")
Prime Minister Mark Carney attends a Forever Canadian rally in Calgary, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS\/Jeff McIntosh Prime Minister Mark Carney attends a Forever Canadian rally in Calgary, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS\/Jeff McIntosh <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got everything we need here and we\u2019re stronger together than we are apart,\u201d said Bill Chan, who lives in Calgary.<\/p>\n
Chan said he heard from Carney\u2019s remarks a more \u201cconciliatory\u201d tone in how Ottawa would treat provinces and territories going forward, notably Alberta.<\/p>\n
He also said parts of the prime minister\u2019s speech hit home.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat he said about Canada being a country that was built historically by people banding together really stuck out for me,\u201d Chan said. <\/p>\n
\u201cBecause if history is any guide, going separate ways has never proven to be as strong and as impactful as doing things together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Carney told those gathered that the referendum comes at the worst possible time.<\/p>\n
The world has grown more dangerous and divided, he said, and some outside Canada\u2019s borders were working to \u201cbreak us so they can own us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAt this pivotal moment, Albertans have a choice: to build a stronger Alberta and an even greater Canada to leave for our children or we can burden them with years of deep division and great uncertainty,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we need is a decisive result on Monday to settle this question.\u201d<\/p>\n
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n
\u2014 With files from Dayne Patterson in Calgary<\/p>\n
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