Carney warns US seeks to dismantle Canada as Alberta votes

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has warned that the United States is attempting to dismantle Canada in order to possess it. He called on the province of Alberta to refrain from initiating a process toward separation during a vote scheduled for Monday.

Alberta Vote and Legal Process

The upcoming ballot does not constitute a direct referendum on independence. Instead, Alberta—which holds the fourth-largest confirmed oil reserves globally—will decide whether to remain a province or instruct its government to begin the legal proceedings for a future separation referendum.

Carney’s Warning at Calgary Rally

Speaking at a large pro-Canada gathering in Calgary, Carney stated that the timing of this referendum could not be worse. He noted that the world has become more dangerous and divided, with actors outside Canada’s borders working to disintegrate the nation so they can own it.

Although he did not explicitly name the United States or President Donald Trump in that specific segment, Carney had made such references in previous similar speeches. His warning coincides with an ongoing trade war initiated by Trump against Canada, following repeated threats to make Canada the 51st state. Carney argued that Canada must enhance its economic resilience and reduce its dependence on the United States.

Urging Voters Against Separation

Carney urged Alberta residents not to use the vote merely to send a message to Ottawa. He cautioned that a decisive result could settle the question of separation, emphasizing that voters should not be deceived by the idea of using their ballots as a signal. He stressed that this is not a poker game, describing a vote against Canada as a serious risk that would lead to years of deep division and significant uncertainty.

Having grown up in Alberta, Carney spent Thursday campaigning in Calgary before addressing the "Canada Forever" rally at the BMO Centre. His office estimated that approximately 5,000 people attended, with some waiting over two hours to pass through security checks. Organizers also planned a second rally with Carney in Edmonton on Friday.

Historical Grievances and Economic Links

Earlier on Thursday, Carney highlighted connections binding the province to the rest of Canada, citing many Albertans born or educated elsewhere in the country and firefighters who travel from across the nation to assist during wildfires.

At the rally, Carney acknowledged the grievances fueling alienation in Alberta. He validated the frustrations felt by many residents, recalling how his upbringing revealed policies from Ottawa that made Albertans feel their resources were not their own. He added that recently, the province has felt its energy contributions are running counter to historical trends.

Pipeline Project and Diplomatic Tensions

Carney pointed to the Pacific Link pipeline as evidence of a changing relationship. He claimed the project would create more than 140,000 jobs and generate revenue for social programs. The loudest applause followed when he stated the pipeline would reduce Canada’s reliance on the United States.

Joking about potential accusations of interference, Carney remarked that they needed to be careful because some might view this as meddling in elections, noting their sensitivity amid laughter. This comment referenced U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra’s warning to Canadian politicians against interfering in American midterm elections.

Rise of Separatism Movement

This referendum marks a notable rise for a cause long marginalized in Alberta politics. Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the Freedom Convoy of 2022, activists who organized protests against vaccine mandates and other restrictions shifted their focus to Alberta’s independence.