Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday that Alberta's independence referendum is a "dangerous bluff" that could lead to years of uncertainty [1, 3, 4].

The warning comes as the federal government faces a growing movement for provincial separation. The Prime Minister's comments suggest that such a move would not only destabilize domestic politics but also erode Canada's international reputation and economic stability [2, 4].

Speaking at a news conference in Ottawa, Carney likened the potential for a separation process to the experience of Brexit [4]. He said that the resulting political and legal turmoil would mirror the instability seen in the United Kingdom following its departure from the European Union [4].

Carney said the referendum poses a risk to the country's cohesion. He described the prospect of Alberta leaving the federation as a source of "years of uncertainty" [2].

The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of national unity during his remarks. "Canada is worth fighting for," Carney said. "Stand up and be counted, that we are stronger together" [1].

Throughout the conference, the Prime Minister focused on the long-term implications of the referendum. He said that the move would undermine the country's global standing, potentially complicating trade relations, and diplomatic ties [2, 4].

“Canada is worth fighting for. Stand up and be counted, that we are stronger together.”

This escalation in rhetoric from the Prime Minister's office indicates a shift toward a more confrontational federal stance against Alberta's independence movement. By invoking Brexit, Carney is attempting to frame the referendum not as a quest for autonomy, but as a catalyst for economic and political volatility that could deter international investment and weaken Canada's geopolitical influence.