Prime Minister Carney joins pro-Canada rally in Calgary ahead of Alberta secession vote

Mark Carney, the prime minister, will travel to Calgary to address a gathering organized by the "Forever Canadian" group, co-led by former Alberta deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk. The rally is intended to bolster support for a united Canada as the province moves toward a referendum that includes a question on secession. Premier Danielle Smith has added ten items to the ballot, one of which asks whether Albertans wish to stay in Canada or pursue a second, binding vote on leaving.

Carney previously invited Lukaszuk's organization to a cabinet retreat in Banff and endorsed the Maple Leaf-wrapped motorhome that Lukaszuk is using to tour the province. In addition to the Calgary event, Carney will appear at a similar rally in Edmonton on Friday. That same day, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and Premier Smith are scheduled to speak at a conference in Calgary.