Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the Alberta separation referendum, emphasizing a positive outlook for future collaboration with the province. He described the result as a significant win for Canada and praised Albertans for choosing unity and collective progress. Carney highlighted his discussion with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, focusing initially on supporting those affected by the recent tragedy at the Canada Forces base in Wainwright, Alberta, before delving into the referendum topic.
The referendum results indicated overwhelming support for Alberta remaining a province of Canada, with 75.5% in favor of unity. Carney emphasized the importance of working together for the benefit of all Albertans and Canadians. Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the decisive nature of Albertans’ choice for national unity and the government’s commitment to collaborative efforts with all provinces.
The discussions between Carney and Smith also touched on other pertinent issues, such as immigration, a key aspect of the referendum ballot. While acknowledging the shared responsibility between provinces and the federal government regarding immigration, Carney dismissed the need for constitutional amendments to address reforms. He stressed the potential for achieving sustainable immigration practices through cooperation without the necessity of constitutional changes.
Regarding the potential constitutional amendments proposed in the referendum, including Alberta’s right to appoint judges, Carney emphasized the importance of finding common solutions through collaboration before considering constitutional changes. He maintained a stance of prioritizing cooperation with Alberta and other provinces while keeping the option of constitutional amendments open as a last resort.