Canadian PM Warns U.S. Aims to ‘Own Us’ Amid Alberta Separation Referendum
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warns U.S. seeks to control Canada as Alberta votes on separation.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has warned that the United States is attempting to ‘own us’ and gain control over Canada, a resource-rich nation, as Alberta prepares for a referendum on provincial separation. In a speech to a large pro-Canada rally in Calgary, Carney urged Albertans to reject the path toward devolution, emphasizing the risks of a potential split from the federal government.
Referendum on Provincial Separation
The ballot, which is not a direct referendum on independence, will determine whether Alberta should remain a province or initiate the legal process for a future separation vote. Alberta, home to the world’s fourth-largest proven oil reserves, is at the center of this debate. Carney emphasized that the referendum comes at a ‘worst possible time,’ as the world has become more dangerous and divided, with external forces attempting to break Canada apart.
Carney’s Concerns Over U.S. Influence
While Carney did not explicitly mention the U.S. or President Donald Trump during his speech, the context of his remarks and past statements make the inference clear. The timing of his warning coincided with Trump’s ongoing trade war with Canada and his repeated threats to make Canada the 51st U.S. state. Carney has long argued that Canada must become more economically resilient and less dependent on its southern neighbor, a stance that has gained urgency as Canada’s economic output has stalled.
Job Losses and Unemployment Concerns
Recent job losses and rising unemployment have further fueled Carney’s call for economic independence. Canada shed 110,000 jobs in the past two monthly reports, with the unemployment rate rising to 6.5 percent. Carney urged Albertans not to use the vote simply to send a message to Ottawa, warning that a ‘dangerous bluff’ could lead to years of division and uncertainty.
End of Canada-U.S. Friendship
Carney, who had never held public office before becoming prime minister, began his term by declaring an end to the historic friendship between Canada and the U.S. He stated that Canada’s interests require a ‘dramatic reduction’ in reliance on the United States, signaling a shift in the country’s foreign policy.
Source: Breitbart
