Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has likened Alberta's upcoming vote on independence to the Brexit referendum, calling it a 'dangerous bluff'. Carney, who served as Governor of the Bank of England during the 2016 EU referendum, warned that such votes can have unintended consequences that take years to unravel.
Speaking about Alberta's vote scheduled for October 19, Carney said: 'In these separation issues, it is often advanced that, “Vote for this and it is a free option” … That is a very dangerous bluff.' He noted that the UK is still 'trying to undo what people didn’t think they were voting for' a decade after Brexit.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced the vote, which asks whether the province should begin moving towards a binding referendum on secession. Critics compare her stance to David Cameron's decision to call the Brexit referendum to silence internal dissent. Carney pointed out that Smith's party did not campaign on this issue in the last provincial election.
Carney emphasised the importance of national unity, stating: 'There’s a very strong positive case for Canada, a strong Alberta in a united Canada.' He also highlighted his government's efforts to build an oil pipeline to the Pacific coast, addressing Albertan concerns about export support.
Smith defended the vote, citing frustrations with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's 'disastrous policies'. She urged Canadians not to dismiss 'legitimate grievances' and called for addressing issues to restore hope in the country.
