OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday underscored Alberta’s importance to Canada a day after the oil-producing province announced a non-binding referendum asking residents whether they want to remain in the country.
Carney, who took office in March 2025, sought to reassure voters amid rising separatist sentiment in Alberta and broader strains from U.S. trade tensions and President Donald Trump’s remarks about annexation. “Canada is the greatest country in the world, but it can be better … we’re working with Alberta on making it better,” he told reporters, adding that “Alberta being at the center of that is essential.”
The referendum is largely symbolic but highlights deep frustration in the province over federal environmental policies under Carney’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau, which critics say harmed Alberta’s oil and gas sector. Carney has since rolled back several of those green measures, positioning his government as more supportive of the energy industry.
Observers warn the referendum could complicate Carney’s push for national unity at a moment when Canada faces external economic pressure and political rhetoric from Washington. Carney did not directly reference the referendum during his remarks.