Canadian PM Warns U.S. Aims to 'Own Us' Amid Alberta Separation Vote

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has warned that the United States is seeking to fracture Canada, urging oil-rich Alberta to reject a separation referendum scheduled for Monday. Carney stated that "some outside our borders are working to break us so they can own us," during a pro-Canada rally in Calgary.

The referendum is not a direct vote on independence but will determine if the provincial government should begin the legal process toward a future separation vote. Carney emphasized that the vote occurs at a "worst possible time" due to increasing global danger and division.

While Carney did not explicitly name the U.S. or President Donald Trump in his remarks, he has previously criticized Trump's trade policies and threats to make Canada the 51st U.S. state. Carney has advocated for Canada to enhance its economic resilience and reduce its reliance on the United States.

Carney implored Albertans not to use the vote as a means to send a message to Ottawa, cautioning that a decisive result in favor of separation could lead to "years of deep division and great uncertainty."

Carney, who grew up in Alberta, participated in a rally at the BMO Centre, which an estimated 5,000 people attended. He highlighted interprovincial connections, such as Albertans born elsewhere in Canada and cross-country support during wildfires, as examples of the province's ties to the rest of the nation.

He acknowledged the real frustrations felt by many Albertans regarding past federal policies on energy and resource management. However, he presented his government's support for the Pacific Link pipeline as a sign of a strengthened relationship and a step toward greater energy independence from the U.S.

The prime minister's rally drew a strong turnout, with his remarks about the pipeline reducing U.S. dependence eliciting a significant positive response from the crowd. Carney also made a lighthearted reference to past U.S. accusations of election interference.

Leaders of the pro-independence group "Let Alberta Decide" acknowledged Carney's influence but contested his arguments. Tanya Clemens, co-chair of the group, suggested that Carney's agreements with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith were superficial and did not address long-standing grievances. Keith Wilson, another leader, questioned Carney's reasoning for deeming the current moment unsuitable for a separation vote.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who initiated the vote but supports remaining in Canada, cast her ballot and expressed hope for necessary changes within the existing federation.

The movement for Alberta independence has gained traction in recent years, amplified by organizing efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests. Supporters view the upcoming vote as a potential leverage point in negotiations with the federal government. Advance voting is ongoing, with the final vote scheduled for Monday.