Prime Minister Carney Urges Unity as Alberta Prepares for Oct. 19 Referendum Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks to Albertans from a classroom, urging unity amid concerns that a low voter turnout could tilt the province's upcoming referendum toward separatism. Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed Albertans from a classroom in Edmonton on Thanksgiving morning, reassuring the province that Canada remains strong together. Carney stood at a desk in his alma mater, St. Francis Xavier High School, and said the holiday was different this year because Albertans would head to the polls next week in a non‑binding referendum on the province's future in Canada. Referendum Questions Outline Alberta Future"A week from today, Albertans will have the opportunity to make an important decision about their future," the leader said, echoing the federal government's plan to keep Canada united. The referendum, scheduled for October 19, contains ten questions. The final question asks whether Alberta should remain a province of Canada or hold a second, binding vote on secession.Carney highlighted federal investments in the province, noting a proposed high‑speed rail line between Edmonton and Calgary, a new pipeline running from Alberta's oilfields to the West Coast, and housing initiatives aimed at making the capital more livable. He warned against potential economic and security threats, stating, "Generations of Albertans helped build this country. It's yours, it's ours, and it's worth fighting for.Kenney Warns Low Turnout Favors Separatists" Despite the Prime Minister's call for unity, former premier Jason Kenney warned that low voter turnout could tip the scale toward separatists. Kenney told local media that if turnout stayed below 50 percent, the referendum might favour those seeking a second vote on independence."We need every voice to be heard," Kenney said. "The future of Alberta and Canada depends on full participation. " The federal government's message echoes an earlier call from the United Nations, which encouraged all Canadians to value shared institutions. Carney called for Canadians to thank one another for their shared history and to use the holiday to reflect on unity.Carney Urges Albertans Consider Economic ImplicationsIn a longer message posted to social media, the Prime Minister urged Albertans to consider the broader implications of the referendum for the nation's economy and security. He added, "If we can stand together, we can keep Canada strong. We're stronger together." The referendum is expected to be a historic moment for Alberta. The province has historically had strong feelings about its relationship with the federal government, especially concerning resource management and provincial autonomy. The Prime Minister also referenced the Canada‑US trade agreements and the recent policy that expands the Canadian defence partnership. Carney concluded by calling on Albertans to use the Thanksgiving break to think about their role in Canada's future."Let's celebrate together and keep our nation united," he said. The debate over Alberta's place in Canada is likely to continue in the coming weeks, as the federal government works to reassure citizens of their shared interests. Many politicians and civil society leaders have called for engagement and a comprehensive dialogue about the province's economic future and its role in Canada's national infrastructure plans.How the referendum unfolds could reshape not only Alberta's political landscape but also Canada's federal structure, with potential impacts on national security, trade, and cultural identity.