Canada PM warns 'stakes are high' as Alberta separation vote nears - BBC

The prime minister is in Alberta for the next two days to make the case for unity ahead of Monday's separation referendum. Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged Albertans to vote to remain in Canada ahead of an independence referendum, warning that the "stakes are high". Speaking at a pro-unity rally on Thursday in Calgary, Carney said the referendum is taking place "at the worst possible time" and called on voters to deliver a "decisive result" against separation. More than 450,000 Albertans have already voted early or by mail on a question asking if they wish the province to remain part of Canada, or start the process of holding a binding referendum to separate. Campaigners on both sides are making their final pitches ahead of Monday's vote, though polls indicate most Albertans are supportive of a united Canada. Still, Carney said Albertans should not assume that the result is decided based on the polling alone. "Turnout will determine the outcome," he told a crowd of more than 7,000 in Calgary. He also nodded at external pressures facing Canada as a reason to dismiss separation. "The world has become more dangerous and divided.