Carney joins Alberta federalists as referendum fight moves closer

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 12, 2026

Photo Courtesy: CBC News

CANADA – Prime Minister Mark Carney has stepped into Alberta’s growing debate over its place in Canada, lending his presence to supporters of keeping the province within the federation.

During a stop in Banff, Carney met with former Alberta cabinet minister Thomas Lukaszuk and supporters of the Forever Canadian campaign, which is opposing efforts toward Alberta independence ahead of a proposed October referendum.

The appearance gave the federalist side a high profile as Alberta’s political debate increasingly turns toward questions of national unity and the province’s relationship with Ottawa.

Lukaszuk, who heads the Forever Canadian group, has been campaigning for Alberta to remain part of Canada as the independence movement pushes its case for greater provincial autonomy.

Carney’s meeting comes as the referendum debate gains momentum, placing the prime minister directly in a conversation that has long been driven by tensions over federal policies, Alberta’s economy and the province’s role within Confederation.

For supporters of a united Canada, the message is straightforward, Alberta’s future is part of Canada’s future.

And with the referendum debate heading toward a potentially decisive political moment, Banff has become another stage in the increasingly visible fight over whether Alberta’s future should remain firmly within the Canadian federation.