Carney’s remarks on Alberta referendum ‘on point,’ but pollsters say Albertans would like to see concrete results, and caution PM and Poilievre against inflaming tensions

By taking concrete action on key issues for Albertans, Prime Minister Mark Carney is trying to send a message that he wants the federation to work better for Alberta, says pollster Janet Brown. Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he and his MPs will campaign for Alberta to remain part of Canada.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The way Carney has approached the separation referendum is not as a politician, but as someone focused on governing. What he is trying to do is communicate through results, says pollster Darrell Bricker.The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

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BY ABBAS RANA

May 25, 2026

Following Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s televised address last week about the coming separation referendum, Prime Minister Mark Carney struck the right tone in his remarks, but Albertans will be looking for meaningful actions to address their grievances about remaining ...

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