Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith listens in Fort McMurray on Thursday Oct 1, 2026. Prime Minister Mark Carney declared the Pacific Link pipeline project to be in the national interest. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Greg Halinda

Prime minister’s Thanksgiving message addresses Alberta separation referendum

Oct 12, 2026 | 9:38 AM

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is “worth fighting for,” a week ahead of Alberta’s separation referendum.

In a Thanksgiving Day message, Carney says the federal government is building “big things” in Alberta, including a new pipeline to the West Coast.

But he says Canada can’t achieve those goals if the country is divided.

Carney also says the country must be strong as it faces threats to its economy, security and culture, and that we are “stronger together.”