According to The Associated Press reported on October 17th, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made a final appeal to voters who supported the independent referendum in Alberta on Friday, warning that holding a referendum at a time when Canada's sovereignty is under increasing threat would be a 'dangerous gamble'.
Kanley said that the timing of this referendum is “terrible”. American media pointed out that currently, U.S. President Trump is launching a trade war and threatening to turn Canada into the U.S.’s “51st state”.
He said, “This is not a game, nor is it poker. Voting against Canada is a dangerous bluff that will bring years of serious uncertainty to Alberta and the Canadian people, as well as missing opportunities.”
Alberta is scheduled to hold a non-binding referendum on October 19 to decide whether to initiate the legal procedures required for a formal separation referendum, rather than deciding independence directly.
This province is an important energy-producing region in Canada. For a long time, some local residents have been dissatisfied with the federal government's energy policies and the distribution of resources benefits. According to Reuters, a poll shows that about 70% of local residents support staying in Canada, while about one-fourth support independence.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also opposes independence and has voted in advance to remain in Canada.
Smith praised Kane for improving relations with the province. The province had frequently faced conflicts with Kane’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau, due to carbon taxes and other energy policies.
"I believe we can reach a consensus that there have been some genuine changes over the past 18 months," Smith said, "which is something unprecedented for Alberta and Canada to collaborate on."
Canada’s main political opponent and the leader of the opposition Conservative Party, Pierre Poilev, also urged people in Alberta to stay in Canada on Friday, saying, “Don’t abandon your Canadian compatriots. Fight alongside them.”
