Prime Minister Mark Carney is holding a virtual cabinet meeting today before heading west, in a week when Alberta politics is dominating the national agenda. The province votes October 19 in a referendum that includes a question on holding a future vote on separation from Canada.
Carney's trip is expected to include appearances at two Forever Canadian rallies — in Calgary and Edmonton — organized by the campaign urging Albertans to vote to remain in Canada. The group was founded by former Alberta deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk.
The prime minister, who grew up in Edmonton, recently delivered a Thanksgiving message aimed at Albertans, arguing Canada is worth fighting for and pointing to federal investments in the province, including a planned pipeline to the West Coast.
Ottawa is also watching allegations of foreign interference in the referendum process. With advance voting under way and five days to the vote, Carney's presence is a clear signal of how seriously the federal government is taking the unity question.
