Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to spend part of the coming week in Alberta, CBC News has learned, as the province enters the final stretch before its October 19 referendum.
Voters will answer several questions on the ballot, including the central question of whether Alberta should begin a process of separating from Canada. A result in favour would not separate the province on its own, but it would be the first step toward a possible binding vote on leaving Confederation, and either outcome will send a strong political signal.
Ottawa has recently pointed to its decision to designate the Pacific Link pipeline, running from Alberta to the B.C. coast, as its first major project of national interest. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith welcomed that move at the time as evidence that co-operative federalism can work.
Not everyone in Alberta is persuaded by the timing. Some referendum campaigners told CBC they believe announcements like the pipeline designation could have come months earlier, and they argue the province's voice carries less weight in federal decisions than it should. With days left to vote, both campaigns are working to sway undecided Albertans.
