Carney to bring his pro-Canada campaign to Edmonton with referendum just days away

Smith has put 10 questions on Monday’s referendum, including one on whether Alberta should stay in Canada or hold a second, binding vote on leaving.

Meanwhile, Smith and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre will both speak at a conference in Calgary about keeping Alberta in the Confederation fold.

With voters just days away from the polls, those who attended Thursday’s rally said Albertans in favour of separation have valid concerns, but Canada is worth fighting for.

“We’ve got everything we need here and we’re stronger together than we are apart,” said Bill Chan, who lives in Calgary.

Chan said he heard from Carney’s remarks a more “conciliatory” tone in how Ottawa would treat provinces and territories going forward, notably Alberta.

He also said parts of the prime minister’s speech hit home.

“What he said about Canada being a country that was built historically by people banding together really stuck out for me,” Chan said.

“Because if history is any guide, going separate ways has never proven to be as strong and as impactful as doing things together.”

Carney told those gathered that the referendum comes at the worst possible time.

The world has grown more dangerous and divided, he said, and some outside Canada’s borders were working to “break us so they can own us.”

“At 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,” he said.

“What we need is a decisive result on Monday to settle this question.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 16, 2026.

— With files from Dayne Patterson in Calgary

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Carney to bring his pro-Canada campaign to Edmonton with referendum just days away

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