Alberta referendum countdown: Carney, Smith keep up pro-Canada drumbeat

Julia, what parting words did he leave Edmontonians with? Well, Carney was telling Edmontonians just how high the stakes are right now. Now, I do want to mention that during the course of his speech, there were several hecklers who shouted at him, one in particular who said, no more pipelines. But other than that, the mood here, the crowd here was very friendly, was very enthusiastic, clapping and standing several times as Carney spoke about how a strong Alberta makes for a strong Canada. also saying how he hopes that there is a decisive result on Monday that will put the issue of separatism to rest once and for all. But the Prime Minister also mentioning that he isn't taking turnout for granted, saying that Canada depends on it. Please don't let anyone tell you that this is already decided. No. Turnout will determine the outcome. Bring a friend. And don't be fooled by the idea that you can send a message with your vote. This is not a game. This is not poker. A vote against Canada is a dangerous bluff that will lead to years of deep uncertainty and lost opportunities. Now, Carney grew up in Edmonton and he drew from his own lived experiences as he talked about how he can understand the frustration that some Albertans feel. You know, he admitted that Canada isn't perfect, that it is a work in progress, and he said that Alberta is a big part of that. Now, this is the second night in a row that Carney spoke and rallied Albertans less than 72 hours before referendum day. A clear display of Canadian pride at a pivotal moment for national unity. Prime Minister Mark Carney tapping into emotions, ramping up his plea for Albertans to vote to remain in Canada. Canada is not a transaction between provinces. It's about taking care of each other. And that's what is fundamentally true about living on the prairies, fundamentally true about being Albertan, fundamentally true about being Canadian. Carney campaigning with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who insists things between Alberta and Ottawa are different now. I think that this is now a time, a moment in Canadian history where we are going to be able to work side by side. I feel for the first time in a long time, Alberta and Canada are walking together. And it's easy to focus on the flaws of the country. The official opposition leader at a conservative conference, calling on the crowd to fight for Canada. And Albertans are not quitters. We don't just take our ball and go home. We don't walk away. We stand and fight for what we believe in. But those in favour of independence aren't buying the message. We want equal representation or fair representation in Canada. And right now we don't feel like we're getting it. There's just too many obstacles in our way. We're tired of it. We want change. across the province, a sense of the division. I want a better deal for Alberta. I don't think that the deal that we're getting right now is fair. Most Albertans have always wanted to stay part of Canada. They just weren't passionate about it until they got pushed. Without a genuine threat of separation, I don't know how we achieve any of the stuff, even the other questions on the ballot. I believe the best way forward is as a unified country. All right, Julia. So we heard Mark Carney's closing argument in Alberta But campaigning continues this weekend. That's right. A few different rallies are being planned. There is a pro-separatism rally that will be held at the legislature in Edmonton on Saturday. Then a pro-unity one will be held in the same location at the legislature on Sunday. Julia, thank you. That's Julia Wong in Edmonton.