Carney says Alberta central to Canada’s future after Smith referendum announcement

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Alberta remains a critical part of Canada’s future after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced plans to include a separation question in a provincial referendum scheduled for Oct. 19.

According to statements made Friday on Parliament Hill, the Alberta government plans to ask voters whether the province should remain part of Canada or pursue separation through a legal process.

Carney said Canada is functioning as a successful country and described Alberta as essential to the country’s continued economic and political development. He said the federal government is working under a spirit of “co-operative federalism” to strengthen the country and that Alberta must play a central role in that effort.

The prime minister also said Canada remains “the greatest country in the world” and stated that his government intends to continue working with Alberta’s government to improve the country.

The proposed referendum is expected to add pressure to ongoing federal-provincial discussions involving energy policy, economic development and provincial autonomy. No additional details about the referendum wording or legal framework were immediately provided.