Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with supporters of the Forever Canadian campaign in Banff, Alberta, on Friday as the group continues its efforts to keep Alberta within the Canadian federation.
Thomas Lukaszuk, a former Alberta deputy premier and founder of the campaign, described Carney as a calm and reassuring figure for Albertans. He praised the prime minister for defending Canadian interests during trade discussions with the United States and said Carney’s leadership demonstrates that the country has someone firmly in charge.
Carney met volunteers at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity on the final day of a federal cabinet retreat. Around 50 campaign supporters welcomed him, many carrying red-and-white signs and wearing maple leaf symbols.
During the gathering, Carney wrote “Canada is everyone and for everyone” on the campaign’s bright pink recreational vehicle, which is being used to promote the group’s message across Alberta. Supporters later joined in singing O Canada.
Alberta is scheduled to hold a referendum on Oct. 19 on whether the province should proceed with another vote on separating from Canada. Although Carney has repeatedly supported national unity, he has so far avoided making a highly visible campaign effort urging Albertans to remain in the federation.
The prime minister did not answer questions from journalists on Friday. A day earlier, he said his main responsibility was to advance his economic plans for Alberta and the wider country while strengthening co-operative federalism. He also urged Albertans to participate in next month’s vote through polling stations, early voting or mail-in ballots.
Lukaszuk said he believes Carney will become more personally involved as the campaign progresses. He also expressed hope that the federal Conservative Party would play a stronger role in encouraging Albertans to remain part of Canada.
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