Mark Carney says Alberta separation vote comes at "worst possible time"

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke at a rally backing Canada in Calgary on Thursday against an Alberta ballot that could set the province on a legal route toward separation. Monday's vote asks Albertans whether to stay in Canada or tell their government to begin the process for a separation referendum; Alberta has significant oil reserves. Carney spoke as President Donald Trump has waged a trade conflict with Canada and repeatedly threatened to make Canada the 51st U.S. state. Carney said Canada needs a stronger economy and less reliance on the U.S., acknowledged local complaints, and warned that rejecting Canada could bring lasting division. A pro-independence organizer acknowledged Carney was a difficult challenger but said his agreements with Premier Danielle Smith left older complaints unresolved. Advance voting runs through Saturday; the final vote is Monday.