Prime Minister Carney to Headline Alberta Unity Rallies Ahead of Referendum
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
Mark Carney will attend 'Forever Canadian' events in Calgary and Edmonton as the province prepares to vote on separation.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to attend two "Forever Canadian" rallies in Alberta this week, as first reported by CityNews Toronto. The events, taking place in Calgary on Oct. 15 and Edmonton on Oct. 16, occur just days before a provincial referendum on Oct. 19.
During the referendum, Albertans will decide whether to remain part of Canada or initiate a future separation process. The ballot also includes nine additional questions regarding immigration and constitutional matters. The "Forever Canadian" campaign, which extended the invitation to the Prime Minister, was launched by Thomas Lukaszuk, the former deputy premier of Alberta.
In a Thanksgiving video message filmed at his former high school in Edmonton, Carney stated that Canada is "worth fighting for" and warned that the country cannot achieve major goals, such as a planned new pipeline to the West Coast, if it remains divided. He noted that Canadians are "stronger together" amid threats to security, culture, and the economy.
Other national figures are also engaging with the province. Reporting from The Canadian Press indicates that Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is expected to speak in support of Canadian unity on Oct. 16 during the Canada Strong and Free Network conference in Calgary, with an address from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expected to follow.