Carney urges Albertans to stay in Canada ahead of October 19 referendum
Prime Minister Mark Carney urged Albertans to vote to stay in Canada before their October 19 vote, CBC News and the BBC reported. "The stakes are high," he said. Picking Option 2 on the ballot would start a process toward a second, binding vote on leaving Canada, CBC reported.
Prime Minister Mark Carney urged Albertans to vote to stay in Canada at back-to-back rallies ahead of the province's October 19 referendum, CBC News and the BBC reported. "The stakes are high," he said at a rally in Edmonton's Expo Centre on Friday night, CBC reported. "This referendum comes at the worst possible time. The world is becoming more dangerous and divided." At a Calgary rally on Thursday, he said the vote is taking place "at the worst possible time," the BBC reported. "Turnout will determine the outcome," he said there to a crowd of more than 7,000, according to the BBC.
Alberta's place in Canada is one of 10 questions on the ballot, CBC reported. On Question 10, voters choose Option 1, to remain in Canada, or Option 2, to begin the process of holding a second, binding referendum on separation, CBC reported. The other nine questions deal with immigration, services for newcomers and constitutional matters.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith appeared with Carney at a pro-unity event at a brewery in Red Deer on Friday, CBC reported. "We often disagree quite publicly on several things," Smith said. "But today we can all agree that on Question 10, we are voting for Option 1 to remain in Canada." Smith wants a "yes" vote on the other nine questions, while Carney has urged Albertans to say "no to the nine," CBC reported.
Carney said voting for a binding separation vote just to "send a message" is a "dangerous bluff that will lead to years of deep uncertainty and lost opportunities for Albertans and Canadians," CBC reported. He pointed to plans for a new oil pipeline to the Pacific coast, CBC News and the BBC reported.
Supporters of separation say Ottawa has overlooked the oil-rich province and put environmental policies ahead of its oil and gas industry, the BBC reported. Separatists planned their own rally in Edmonton on Saturday, the BBC reported. Polls suggest most Albertans support staying in Canada, and more than 450,000 people had already voted early or by mail, the BBC reported.
What we know: Carney and Smith both urged Albertans to vote to stay in Canada ahead of the October 19 vote.
What we don't: How many people will turn out, and how the vote on all 10 questions will go.
Where outlets agree CBC News and the BBC both report that Carney urged Albertans to vote to stay in Canada, warning that "the stakes are high."
Where they differ The outlets cited here report the same key facts so far.