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Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, delivers a speech on national unity in Edmonton on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. (Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Ulan)
By Dayne Patterson, The Canadian Press
Oct. 19 Referendum

Poilievre urges Albertans not to ‘quit’ on Canada ahead of separation vote

Oct 16, 2026 | 11:58 AM

Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he understands separatist disillusionment with the state of affairs in Canada but that quitting isn’t the answer.

Poilievre says quitting is the easy way out and Albertans are not quitters.

He says the solution is to restore the greatness of a country that has been defended and built up through generations.

Poilievre made the comments today in a speech in Calgary.

He and Prime Minister Mark Carney are in the province making last-ditch appeals to Albertans to vote to stay in Canada.

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Albertans go to the polls Monday to decide whether the province should remain in Canada or hold a second, binding referendum on leaving Confederation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 16, 2026.

by Dayne Patterson, The Canadian Press

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