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Prime Minister Mark Carney visits supporters of a Vote to Stay event ahead of a non-binding referendum on Alberta sovereignty, in Red Deer, Alta., on Oct. 16.Todd Korol/Reuters
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith joined forces at an Alberta brewery to make a last-ditch plea for Albertans to vote to stay in Canada.
Carney, standing with Smith and other politicians, channelled author Charles Dickens in saying Monday’s referendum comes at the best and worst of times.
He says the worst is globalist forces and policies threatening the country, while the best is a nation and a province on the cusp of unprecedented growth and success.
Opinion: Canada is strong, but it will be forever altered by Alberta’s referendum
Explainer: What about Alberta’s nine other referendum questions?
Voters are being asked whether the province should remain in Canada or hold a second, binding referendum on separation.
It’s one of 10 questions on the ballot, as Smith also wants Albertans to endorse her proposals for more control and rules around immigration and a mandate to pursue constitutional changes to wrest power from Ottawa.
While Carney and Smith agree on a united Canada, the prime minister has urged Albertans to reject the other nine ballot questions, and the premier says she will work to change his mind.