Global News Edmonton has reported:

Prime Minister Mark Carney focused his Thanksgiving Day message on Alberta’s separation referendum, saying Canada is “worth fighting for.” Albertans will vote on Oct. 19 on whether the province should remain in Canada or proceed to a second, binding referendum on separation.

“This year, Thanksgiving is a bit different,” Carney said in a video message posted Monday. “A week from today, Albertans will have the opportunity to make an important decision about their future: whether to remain part of Canada or begin a long and uncertain process through which Alberta could separate from Canada.”

The video was filmed at Carney’s former high school in Edmonton. He noted that he grew up in Alberta and said the federal government is building “big things” in the province, including a new pipeline to the West Coast. He said those goals cannot be achieved if the country is divided.

“You can’t build big things on fault lines,” Carney said. He added that Canada needs to be strong as it faces threats to its economy, security and culture, and said the country is “stronger together.”

“Generations of Albertans helped build this country. It’s yours, it’s ours, and it’s worth fighting for,” he said. Carney also stated: “Canada is worth fighting for.”

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is scheduled to speak in Calgary on Friday, where he will urge Alberta to remain within Canada. In his Thanksgiving message, B.C. NDP Leader David Eby also encouraged Albertans to vote for unity with Canada. Eby is in the middle of a provincial election campaign and said Alberta and British Columbia share bonds of family, friendship and business, adding that they are “stronger together.”