Prime Minister Stephen Harper urged Canadian unity during a campaign stop in Alberta ahead of a referendum on the province's potential secession. The visit took place in Edmonton, where Environment Canada had issued a wind warning due to strong gusts up to 100 km/h. The weather caused power outages and downed trees, disrupting local infrastructure.
Harper addressed a crowd of supporters, emphasizing the importance of national cohesion amid growing separatist sentiment. The referendum, scheduled for the following week, will allow Albertans to vote on whether the province should separate from Canada. Harper argued that unity is essential for economic stability and national security.
The referendum follows months of political tension, with Alberta's government pushing for greater autonomy. Proponents of secession argue that the province is underfunded and overtaxed, while opponents warn of the economic and social consequences of separation. This is the first time Alberta has held a referendum on secession, marking a significant moment in Canadian political history.
