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2026-05-27 13:22:17
【Carney compares Alberta’s secession referendum to Brexit, calling it a “dangerous bluff”】 (1) Alberta, Canada’s oil-producing province, will hold a referendum in October to decide whether to remain in Canada or move toward formal independence. The secessionist group “Free Alberta” has collected more than 300,000 signatures, and Premier Danielle Smith announced the vote. (2) Prime Minister Carney warned that the move was a “very dangerous bluff” and compared it to Brexit. He served as Governor of the Bank of England during the Brexit referendum and said that some people thought that voting in favor would lead to a soft Brexit that was negotiable, but ten years later, they are still trying to reverse an unexpected outcome. (3) Smith said she supports a “united Canada” but believes that the referendum is a way for Albertans to express their views on the province’s future. (4) Alberta is one of Canada’s most important energy-producing regions and has long had disagreements with the federal government on issues such as environmental regulations, taxes, and pipeline access, but polls show that full independence is still supported by a minority. (5) Carney attempted to improve relations by supporting new energy infrastructure projects, including an agreement signed this month with the Smith government that could pave the way for a new oil pipeline, but was criticized by neighboring provinces, Indigenous groups, and environmentalists for reneging on climate commitments. (6) The Alberta secession debate comes at a time when Canada and the United States are embroiled in a trade dispute, with Trump referring to Canada as “the 51st state.” Carney had previously warned Washington against interfering in Canada’s internal affairs, including discussions about the future of Alberta.
