Canadian PM Carney warns US is trying to break Canada 'so they can own us' ahead of Alberta separation vote

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney rallied thousands in Calgary on Thursday, warning that forces outside Canada's borders are working to fracture the country and seize control of it. The speech came two days before Monday's Alberta referendum, which will decide whether the oil-rich province directs its government to begin legal procedures toward a future independence vote. Carney grew up in Alberta and appealed directly to voters not to treat the ballot as a protest, warning that a vote against Canada is "a dangerous bluff."

Alberta holds the world's fourth-largest proven oil reserves, making the separation question a major economic flashpoint amid Trump's ongoing trade war with Canada.

Around 5,000 supporters attended Carney's Forever Canadian rally at Calgary's BMO Centre, with some queuing more than two hours to get through security.

'Don't be fooled by the idea you can send a message with your vote — this is not poker,' Carney told the crowd, urging Albertans to treat Monday's result as definitive.