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Carney says Alberta is 'essential' to Canada as province plans vote on separation

Carney says Alberta is 'essential' to Canada as province plans vote on separation

Alberta's decision to hold a referendum on separation has been widely criticised, including by separatists who say the question is not definitive enough.

May 22, 2026 at 08:59 PM Original source
6 agencies covered this story

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Notable Quotes

"We're renovating the country as we go, and Alberta being at the centre of that is essential."

— Mark Carney , Politician

"Alberta's future will be decided by Albertans, not the courts."

— Danielle Smith , Politician

"The vote is needless and accused Smith of buying time to stay in power."

— Naheed Nenshi , Politician

"I want to be clear. I support Alberta remaining in Canada, and this is how I would vote on separation in a provincial referendum."

— Danielle Smith , Politician

"A vote to see if people even want a vote. It’s a good way to let the swing voters swing against separation."

— Ian Brodie , Academic

"Canada’s government strongly believes that the interests of Albertans and all Canadians are best served when we work together."

— Dominic LeBlanc , Politician

"Canada is the greatest country in the world, but it can be better. And we’re working on making it better; we’re working with Alberta on making it better."

— Mark Carney , Politician

"Despite my personal support for remaining in Canada, I am deeply troubled by an erroneous court decision that interferes with the democratic rights of hundreds of thousands of Albertans."

— Danielle Smith , Politician

"Canada is the greatest country in the world, but it can be better, and we’re working on making it better."

— Mark Carney , Politician

"It’s time to have a vote, understand the will of Albertans on this subject and move on."

— Danielle Smith , Politician

"Alberta was “essential” to the country’s future."

— Mark Carney , Politician

"The judge’s decision was erroneous and interferes with the democratic rights of hundreds of thousands of Albertans."

— Danielle Smith , Politician

All Coverage

Carney says Alberta is 'essential' to Canada as province plans vote on separation
BBC Newsvia rss 3 quotes 3 persons

Alberta's decision to hold a referendum on separation has been widely criticised, including by separatists who say the question is not definitive enough.

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Alberta province plans a public vote on whether to hold a binding referendum on leaving Canada
Associated Pressvia ai 3 quotes 3 persons

Alberta plans to hold a public vote in October to decide whether to pursue a binding referendum on leaving Canada. Premier Danielle Smith clarified that she supports remaining in Canada and that the vote aims to gauge public interest in potentially holding a future referendum.

80%
The Washington Postvia ai

Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed determination to build a better Canada following Alberta's announcement of a public vote on moving toward independence. Premier Danielle Smith stated that the vote would be held on October 19 to decide whether Alberta should stay in Canada or take legal steps under the Constitution to hold a binding referendum on leaving.

80%
PM says Alberta ‘essential’ to Canada as separatists push for independence
The Guardianvia ai 2 quotes 2 persons

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Alberta is 'essential' to Canada's future after the province's leader moved the oil-rich region closer toward a referendum on independence. Separatists in Alberta had been collecting signatures to trigger a binding October vote on seceding from Canada.

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PM Carney says Alberta ‘essential’ to Canada, as separatist push advances
South China Morning Postvia ai 2 quotes 2 persons

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized Alberta's essential role in Canada's future after the province's leader moved the oil-rich region closer toward a referendum on independence. Separatists in Alberta had been collecting signatures to trigger a binding October vote on seceding from Canada.

80%
Canada’s Carney says Alberta is ‘essential’ as province mulls separation
Al Jazeeravia ai 2 quotes 2 persons

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized Alberta's importance to Canada's economy after the province announced plans for a public vote on holding a referendum on separation. Carney highlighted cooperation between the federal government and Alberta, stressing the province's central role in national unity.

80%