Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, warned the people of Alberta about potential threats and stated that the United States is trying to "tear Canada apart" so that it can "own us."
Meeting in Calgary
Carney made these remarks at a rally in support of Canada in the city of Calgary, ahead of the vote that will decide whether this oil-rich province will begin the legal process of separation from Canada.
He said, "The world has become more dangerous and divided. Some outside our borders are trying to tear us apart so they can own us." Carney did not directly refer to the United States or its President in these remarks.
Trade and Grievances
This is not the first time Carney has made such claims. His warning comes as Washington and Ottawa are in the midst of a trade war, with Trump threatening to make Canada the 51st state of the United States.
Additionally, Carney has been trying to reduce Canada's dependence on the U.S., which has angered Trump.
The vote on Monday in Alberta is not a direct referendum on independence. Instead, this province, which has the fourth-largest proven oil reserves in the world, will vote to determine whether it wants to remain a province or instruct the government to begin the legal process of a separation referendum.
Polls show that less than a quarter of the approximately five million people in Alberta want to separate from Canada. Albertans have long been frustrated with the liberal governments in Ottawa, including concerns about immigration and federal power over the management of the oil industry.
Carney, who grew up in Alberta, has tried to address these frustrations, but there are many issues to resolve.
He said, "The frustrations that many Albertans have felt are real," adding that Ottawa has made Albertans feel that "our resources are not our own."
Warning About the Vote
However, he urged people not to use the vote as a "message" to the federal government. Carney said, "Don't be fooled by the idea that you can send a 'message' with your vote. This is not a poker game. A negative vote against Canada is a dangerous bluff that will lead to years of deep division and uncertainty."
Mitch Silvestri, who leads the Alberta Prosperity Project, a prominent separatist organization, told AFP that U.S. interests "have no role in Alberta" until they win and become a government. At that time, he will guarantee free trade.
He added, "There is no animosity towards America here" and said he sees no reason to stop trade with the world's largest economy.
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