Comparison of Alberta’s Independence Vote to Brexit Sparks Debate
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently compared Alberta’s upcoming vote on potential independence to the Brexit referendum. He described the move as a ‘dangerous bluff.’ The province of Alberta, rich in oil, is set to hold a vote on October 19. The vote will determine whether Alberta should remain in Canada or take steps to potentially hold a binding referendum on independence.
Carney brings experience from his past role as the governor of the Bank of England in 2016, during Britain’s Brexit decision. Reflecting on that time, Carney noted, ‘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.’ They’re still, 10 years later, trying to undo what people didn’t think they were voting for, but what they ended up having.’
Premier Danielle Smith of Alberta announced the vote but did not campaign on creating a referendum during the previous provincial election. Carney criticized the initiative, stating it is not helpful for attracting investment to Canada and called it undemocratic. He questioned if Alberta’s electorate ever supported such a move. ‘Is it the democratic will of Albertans? Did they vote for this in the last provincial election? No, they didn’t. It wasn’t on the ballot paper,’ Carney remarked.
Despite the tensions, Smith expressed her support for Alberta staying within Canada. Her position is reminiscent of Britain’s former Prime Minister David Cameron, who supported a referendum to address internal party pressures while personally opposing Brexit. Carney, focused on advancing an oil pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific coast, emphasized the need for unity within Canada. ‘There’s a strong positive case for Canada, a strong Alberta in a united Canada,’ he stated, emphasizing ongoing efforts over the next 150 days.
Smith responded to Carney’s remarks by asserting that whether Alberta separates is for Albertans to decide. She criticized policies from Ottawa, particularly under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as fueling frustrations in Alberta. Her statement urged Canadians to address Alberta’s issues and restore hope in Canada’s unity. ‘Albertans’ frustrations have been fueled by the last 10 years of disastrous policies from Ottawa under … Justin Trudeau,’ she remarked.