Skip to Content Subscribe Our Offers My Account Manage My Subscriptions FAQ Newsletters Canada Canadian True Crime Canadian Politics Health World Israel & Middle East Financial Post NP Comment Longreads Puzzmo Diversions Comics NP News Quiz New York Times Crossword Horoscopes Life Eating & Drinking Style Sponsored Play for Ontario Travel Travel Canada Travel USA Travel International Cruises Travel Essentials Culture Books Celebrity Movies Music Theatre Television Business Essentials Advice Lives Told Tails Told Shopping Buy Canadian Home Living Outdoor Living Tech Style & Beauty Kitchen & Dining Personal Care Entertainment & Hobbies Gift Guide Travel Guide Deals Savings National Post Store More Sports Hockey Baseball Basketball Football Soccer Golf Tennis Driving Vehicle Research Reviews News Gear Guide Obituaries Place an Obituary Place an In Memoriam Classifieds Place an Ad Celebrations Working Business Ads Archives Healthing Epaper Manage Print Subscription Profile Settings My Subscriptions Saved Articles My Offers Newsletters Customer Service FAQ Newsletters Canada World Financial Post NP Comment Longreads Puzzmo Diversions Life Shopping Epaper Manage Print Subscription HomeNewsCanadaCanadian PoliticsCarney 'working with Alberta' on making Canada better in wake of Smith's referendum announcementThe Alberta government's proposed question does not explicitly offer an option of Alberta independenceLast updated 0 minutes ago You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.Prime Minister Mark Carney participates in a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, May 14, 2026. Photo by HYUNGCHEOL PARK /PostmediaOTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney said Friday morning that he’d continue working with Alberta on shared economic goals, with a referendum relating to the province’s future in Canada now officially set for the fall.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Accountor“Canada is the greatest country in the world, but it can be better. And we’re working on making it better. We’re working with Alberta on making it better,” Carney told reporters in Ottawa.Carney touted progress on the Canada-Alberta memorandum of understanding on energy development, including last week’s agreement on the industrial carbon tax and the construction of a new heavy oil pipeline to the West Coast.“Just a week ago, I was in Calgary with Premier Smith and we announced a landmark agreement, the next step in landmark agreement on a wide range of issues. It’s very much centered on the energy sector, all aspects of energy pipeline, and carbon capture opportunities to cooperate with neighboring provinces, moving forward, with new technologies like geothermal, nuclear, others,” said Carney.Carney also took a moment to reflect on the historical contributions of various Albertans to Canada, such as former Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the “Alberta Five” who advocated for women’s suffrage.“I think when I come to Parliament of the great Albertans, there’s many too many to list,” said Carney.Carney’s comments come after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said on Thursday that she was opting to present her own referendum question to Albertans in the fall.The Alberta government’s proposed question does not explicitly offer an option of Alberta independence, instead asking whether the province should agree to have a later legally binding referendum on whether to separate from Canada.Carney spoke to a pool camera at the Library of Parliament, which was not broadcast live and didn’t allow for questions from reporters.More to come.National Postrmohamed@postmedia.comOur website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. 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