Voters in Alberta will decide on Monday whether to pursue a binding referendum on independence from Canada, as Prime Minister Mark Carney warned that a separatist victory could trigger dangerous uncertainty amid ongoing trade war with United States.
Opinion polls suggest that fewer than a quater of residents in the western Canadian province support independence. However, attention has shifted to voter turnout, with concerns that a highly motivated separatist camp could defy polling predictions if supporters of Canadian unity fail to vote in sufficient numbers.
“Don’t let anyone tell you this is already decided. turnout will determine the outcome,” Carney told a rally on Thursday.
Carney, who grew up in Alberta, has described the referendum as “a dangerous bluff”, warning that it comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has imposed steep tariffs and threatened to annex Canada.
According to the prime minister, Trump’s actions are aimed at weakening Canada’s resolve.
“Vote like Canada depends on it, because it does,” Carney urged voters.
Alberta, which holds the world’s fourth-largest proven oil reserves, has witnessed growing separatist sentiment fuelled by dissatisfaction with the federal government’s management of the energy sector.
Many residents of the province have strongly criticised former prime minister Justin Trudeau, accusing his administration of attempting to restrict oil production as part of its climate policies.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also blamed Trudeau for fuelling separatist sentiment in the province.
“If you want me to pinpoint who is responsible for the separatist sentiment, I think it’s Justin Trudeau,” Smith told Canadaland podcast earlier this month.
