# Alberta votes to stay in Canada, backing Carney against Trump

> Albertans reject separatism by more than two-thirds, strengthening Prime Minister Mark Carney's hand as Canada faces US trade threats and economic pressure.
- Title: Alberta votes to stay in Canada, backing Carney against Trump
- Summary: Albertans reject separatism by more than two-thirds, strengthening Prime Minister Mark Carney's hand as Canada faces US trade threats and economic pressure…
- Keywords: alberta, canada, mark carney, separatism referendum, donald trump, trade war, oil pipeline, canadian unity, news, world, votes, stay
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr62ylj832vxo
- Published: 2026-10-20T22:22:17.33+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: alberta, canada, mark carney, separatism referendum, donald trump, trade war, oil pipeline, canadian unity, news, world
## Carney's rallying cry in Calgary
Prime Minister Mark Carney told cheering crowds in Calgary last week to vote like Canada depends on it, with banners declaring Forever Canadian.

> Vote like Canada depends on it
## Alberta votes to stay in Canada
Preliminary results show more than two-thirds of Alberta voters said they want to remain part of Canada in a referendum on separatism.
## Alberta's economic power matters
Alberta holds most of Canada's proven oil reserves and abundant gas and mineral wealth, playing a pivotal role in Ottawa's drive to survive a trade war with the US.
## Carney's message after the vote
After Monday's vote, Carney emphasised that Albertans chose unity, to build together, and to take care of each other.

> They chose unity, to build together, and to take care of each other.
## A warning to the world
Thomas Lukaszuk, whose Forever Canadian campaign played a key role in the referendum's outcome, said the vote will send a very strong message to the rest of the world.

> will send a very strong message to the rest of the world
## Trump's message to Canada
The same day Albertans voted, Trump sent a signal north at a Kansas rally, promising to let Canada keep ice hockey and its national anthem before adding we're only kidding.

> I will let you keep ice hockey, and I will let you keep your 'O Canada' national anthem. We're only kidding.
## Separatists' US connections
Some prominent separatist leaders admitted they travelled to Washington three times last year to meet US State Department officials and outline what an independent Alberta could offer.
## The pipeline as political prize
At a rally in Alberta last week, Carney's comment that a proposed pipeline to the Pacific coast will reduce Canada's dependence on the United States triggered the loudest applause.

> will reduce our dependence on the United States
## Carney's rising global profile
The plain-speaking politician's strong response to Trump threats has seen his star rising on the world stage.

> Mark Carney shows middle powers how to handle a dangerous world
## Questions about unity after Trump
Political scientist David Moscrop asks what happens after Donald Trump is gone and Canada no longer has a single, bombastic target which drives Canadians to rally around the flag.

> what happens after Donald Trump is gone and Canada no longer has a single, bombastic target which drives Canadians to rally around the flag?
## Pain ahead if trade war drags on
If the trade war with the US drags on with a country which traditionally takes seventy percent of Canada's exports, Canadians will feel even greater pain in their daily lives.
## Key takeaway

Alberta voted overwhelmingly to remain in Canada, giving Prime Minister Mark Carney political backing to resist US pressure and pursue economic diversification through major infrastructure projects.