Muhammad Amanullah — September 12, 2026
Thomas Lukaszuk, the former Alberta deputy premier and head of the “Forever Canadian” campaign advocating for Alberta to remain part of Canada, has described Prime Minister Mark Carney as a “calming” and “reassuring” figure for people in the province.
Lukaszuk said Carney has taken a strong position in defence of Canadian interests during trade negotiations with the United States, sending a message that there is someone leading the country who is prepared to stand with Canadians during difficult circumstances.
Carney Welcomed in Banff
Prime Minister Mark Carney met with volunteers from the Forever Canadian campaign in Banff on Friday.
The meeting took place at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, where the federal cabinet was also holding meetings.
Around 50 supporters gathered to welcome the prime minister when he arrived. Most were holding red-and-white signs, while some were wearing clothing featuring the maple leaf, a symbol of Canada.
Carney also wrote a message with a black marker on a bright pink recreational vehicle being used by the campaign. His message said, “Canada is for everyone and for all.”
Those attending the event later sang Canada’s national anthem, “O Canada.”
Alberta’s Referendum
A major referendum is scheduled to take place in Alberta on October 19, with voters set to decide whether another vote should be held on the question of Alberta leaving Canada.
The issue is being closely watched because of its potential implications for political relations between the province and the federal government.
Supporters of separation have continued to call for greater autonomy for Alberta and policies that differ from those of the federal government. Meanwhile, the Forever Canadian campaign is working to build public support for keeping the province within Canada.
Carney’s Cautious Strategy
Prime Minister Mark Carney has emphasized national unity but has so far avoided openly taking on a high-profile campaign-style role against Alberta separation.
On Thursday, Carney said his primary responsibility to Alberta and the rest of Canada was to deliver on the economic agenda and strengthen a cooperative federal system.
He urged Albertans to make their voices heard in next month’s referendum.
Carney said Canada was worth fighting for and that doing so meant people should turn up at polling stations on October 19, vote by mail or participate in advance voting.
‘The Prime Minister Will Become More Active’
Thomas Lukaszuk, head of the Forever Canadian campaign, expressed hope that Carney would take a more active personal role as the referendum campaign progresses.
He said that at some point during the campaign, the prime minister would likely communicate more directly with Albertans and present his position in favour of remaining part of Canada more clearly.
Lukaszuk also called on the federal Conservative Party to take a more active role in the issue.
Criticism of Poilievre
Lukaszuk also questioned the absence of Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre and federal Conservative members from the campaign.
He said Poilievre has stated that Conservative MPs from Alberta support the Forever Canadian campaign, but that he has not seen those MPs playing an active role in the campaign taking place in Alberta.
According to Lukaszuk, the issue is not about any single political party but concerns the future of Canada and national unity. He said all political forces should therefore work together and play a role.
Ottawa’s Position
The federal government held a cabinet meeting in Alberta this week and also met with mayors from different cities across the province.
However, federal ministers have not announced any major upcoming plan to directly participate in the campaign against separation.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski said it was not the federal government’s job to tell Albertans what to do or how to vote.
She said the government’s responsibility was to work with Alberta as a strong partner, cooperate on various projects and continue taking steps toward building a united Canada.
‘Canada Works’
Olszewski nevertheless made clear that members of the federal government were speaking with Albertans about the importance of remaining part of Canada.
She said the government was trying to show Albertans that Canada’s federal system can work and that the government is working to achieve better results for people across the country.
Calgary Mayor Supports Carney’s Approach
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas has also praised Carney and his cabinet for their efforts.
He said the federal government had chosen to remain present in Alberta and listen to residents rather than reducing the province’s relationship with Ottawa to financial transactions alone.
According to Farkas, members of Carney’s government have been visiting rural communities as well as attending larger gatherings, areas where federal politicians have had a limited presence for several years.
He said the federal government was sending a message by coming to Alberta to listen, learn and work on shared interests.
That approach, he suggested, represents an effort to reduce the distance between Ottawa and Alberta as the debate over the province’s future and the referendum question continues.
