Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has warned that Alberta's proposed referendum on separation is a 'dangerous bluff,' drawing on his experience leading the Bank of England during the Brexit vote. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Carney cautioned that voters should be wary of promises that a 'yes' vote would simply strengthen the province's negotiating position.
Carney's Brexit Warning
Carney, who served as Governor of the Bank of England from 2013 to 2020, said he witnessed firsthand the consequences of the UK's referendum on leaving the European Union. 'That is a very dangerous bluff,' he said. 'I saw firsthand what happened in the United Kingdom when the view was: Vote for this, it'll be soft, and then we'll negotiate, etcetera. They're still 10 years later trying to undo what people didn't think they were voting for, but what they ended up having.'
Alberta's Referendum Plans
Last week, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced plans to hold a referendum in October on whether the province should begin a legal process that could lead to independence. The question will not be a direct vote on secession but rather on whether to pursue such a vote, which some have described as a 'referendum on a referendum.' Smith's decision followed a court ruling that blocked an Alberta separatist group's petition, citing the government's failure to consult Indigenous peoples on a major constitutional change.
Carney's Criticism
Carney noted that the referendum was not part of Smith's campaign platform during the 2023 provincial election. 'Is it the democratic will of Albertans? Did they vote for this in the last provincial election? No, they didn't,' he said. He added that his government is reviewing the proposed question to ensure it complies with Canadian legislation on separation votes. Carney also emphasized his intention to campaign against separation, focusing on finding 'common ground' with provincial governments and cooperating on social programs and economic development.
'That's what Albertans expect. That's what Canadians expect across the country,' Carney concluded.
