Carney Warns Against Alberta’s Independence Vote Plans

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday compared Alberta’s proposed vote on potential independence to Brexit, calling it a “dangerous bluff.” Alberta’s premier, Danielle Smith, has announced a vote on October 19 to decide whether the province should remain part of Canada or take legal steps for a binding referendum on separation.

Carney referenced his experience with Brexit during his comments. He served as the governor of the Bank of England when Britain decided to leave the European Union. According to Carney, “I saw firsthand what happened in the United Kingdom when the view was, ‘Vote for this, it’ll be soft and then we’ll negotiate.’ They’re still trying to undo what people didn’t think they were voting for.”

Smith’s party, during the last provincial election, did not include a referendum in its campaign. Carney criticized the vote as obstructive to attracting investment to Canada and suggested it is not a reflection of democratic will, stating, “Is it the democratic will of Albertans? Did they vote for this in the last provincial election? No, they didn’t. It wasn’t on the ballot paper.”

Although Smith supports Alberta remaining in Canada, her position has drawn parallels to former British Prime Minister David Cameron’s stance before the Brexit referendum. Cameron embraced the referendum to manage his party’s vocal faction, despite not wanting the UK to leave the EU.

Carney aims to advance the construction of a new oil pipeline from Alberta to Canada’s Pacific coast. Many in Alberta have long expressed dissatisfaction with Ottawa’s efforts to export their vast oil reserves to Asian markets. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a united Canada, saying, “There’s a very strong positive case for Canada, a strong Alberta in a united Canada.”

Smith responded to Carney, asserting that the decision on separation is for Albertans alone. “Albertans’ frustrations have been fueled by the last 10 years of disastrous policies from Ottawa,” Smith stated, referring to policies under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. She insisted on addressing the genuine grievances of Albertans and restoring confidence in Canada.