Canada

PM Carney to attend ‘Forever Canadian’ rallies in Alberta days before referendum

By
The Canadian Press

Updated: 

Published: 

Playing null of undefined
How concerned is Ottawa about Alberta’s separation referendum?

How concerned is Ottawa about Alberta’s separation referendum?

A look at question 8 on your Alberta referendum ballot

A look at question 8 on your Alberta referendum ballot

Day 1 of advance voting for Alberta referendum far from fast

Day 1 of advance voting for Alberta referendum far from fast

Long lines, late starts to advance voting

Long lines, late starts to advance voting

Will public projects be enough to convince Albertans to vote to remain in Canada?

Will public projects be enough to convince Albertans to vote to remain in Canada?

‘Give a thanks for Canada’: PM calls for unity in Thanksgiving message

‘Give a thanks for Canada’: PM calls for unity in Thanksgiving message

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to attend two “Forever Canadian” rallies in Alberta this week, just days before the province’s referendum.

On Oct. 19, Albertans will vote on the prospect of a future separation referendum, along with nine other questions involving constitutional and immigration issues.

The “Forever Canadian” campaign, launched by Alberta’s former deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk, seeks to encourage Albertans to vote to stay in Canada.

Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks at a press conference alongside Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in Fort McMurray on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Greg Halinda Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks at a press conference alongside Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in Fort McMurray on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Greg Halinda

The organization’s website says Carney was invited to one rally in Calgary on Oct. 15 and another in Edmonton on Oct. 16. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed Carney will attend both.

“We want the country’s leader to see what we see every day: Albertans from every walk of life standing up for a united Canada,” says the Forever Canadian website.

Carney, who grew up in Alberta, focused his Thanksgiving Day message on Alberta’s upcoming separation referendum, saying Canada is “worth fighting for.”

“This year, Thanksgiving is a bit different,” he said in a video message posted Monday and filmed at his old high school in Edmonton. “A week from today, Albertans will have the opportunity to make an important decision about their future: whether to remain part of Canada or begin a long and uncertain process through which Alberta could separate from Canada.”

Carney said the federal government is building “big things” in Alberta — including a planned new pipeline to the West Coast — but Canada can’t achieve those goals if the country is divided.

“You can’t build big things on fault lines,” he said.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney designated Alberta's proposed pipeline, now named Pacific Link, as a project of national interest in Fort McMurray on Oct. 1, 2026.
Mark Carney pipeline announcement Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney designated Alberta's proposed pipeline, now named Pacific Link, as a project of national interest in Fort McMurray on Oct. 1, 2026.

Carney also said Canadians are “stronger together” as they face down threats to their economy, security and culture.

“Generations of Albertans helped build this country. It’s yours, it’s ours, and it’s worth fighting for,” he said.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is expected to deliver his own speech supporting Canadian unity in Calgary on Friday.

Poilievre is set to speak during the Canada Strong and Free Network conference on Oct. 16 in Calgary. His speech is expected to be followed by an address from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 13, 2026.

-With files from David Baxter and Anja Karadeglija