Mark Carney says world is "more dangerously divided world" ahead of Alberta independence vote

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney traveled to Alberta on Oct. 15 to make the case for keeping the province within Canada ahead of an Oct. 19 non-binding independence vote called by Premier Danielle Smith to settle a long-standing dispute. Polls indicate fewer than one in four of Alberta's roughly five million residents favor leaving, though Carney, who grew up there, told Calgary business leaders the ballot comes amid escalating international tensions and strained relations with Washington. Smith opposes separation but has pledged to start a legally binding exit process if a majority votes yes, and says a no vote would end her support for further referendums. Separatist organizer Mitch Sylvestre says he expects at least 40 percent backing. Carney has placed Alberta's oil sector at the center of his economic agenda.