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Did they vote for this in the last provincial election? No, they didn’t,' Carney saidAuthor of the article:Last updated 50 minutes ago You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.Mark Carney led the Bank of England from 2013 to 2020, during the period when U.K. residents voted to leave the European Union and embarked on difficult negotiations to exit the bloc. Photo by HYUNGCHEOL PARK/PostmediaCanadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Alberta’s voters should be wary of separatists promoting a “dangerous bluff,” citing his own experience in leading the Bank of England during the Brexit referendum.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.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.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.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.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 AccountorHe said separation votes are often characterized by advocates as a “free option,” in which residents are encouraged to vote yes simply because it will strengthen their region’s hand in future negotiations.“That is a very dangerous bluff,” Carney told reporters Monday. “I saw firsthand what happened in the United Kingdom when the view was: Vote for this, it’ll be soft, and then we’ll negotiate, etcetera. They’re still 10 years later trying to undo what people didn’t think they were voting for, but what they ended up having.”Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againLast week, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith pledged to call a referendum in October on whether the energy-rich province should stay in Canada or start a legal process that could eventually lead to its independence.The question will not be a direct vote on separating, but instead on whether Alberta should pursue such a vote, leading some to describe it as a “referendum on a referendum.”Smith made the decision after a court blocked an attempt by an Alberta separatist group to petition the government to hold a referendum. The court found the government failed to meet its duty to consult with Indigenous peoples on a major constitutional change.Carney led the Bank of England from 2013 to 2020, during the period when United Kingdom residents voted to leave the European Union and the country embarked on difficult negotiations to exit the bloc.He was asked by reporters on Monday whether he tried to dissuade Smith from holding a vote on separation. He didn’t directly answer, but noted that she “doesn’t always take my advice.”He then said he views the decision to hold the vote as unhelpful, pointing out it was not in Smith’s campaign platform during the 2023 provincial election.“Is it the democratic will of Albertans? Did they vote for this in the last provincial election? No, they didn’t,” Carney said.He said his government is currently looking at the proposed question to ensure it complies with Canadian legislation on holding separation votes.He added that he intends to campaign against separation, including through his government’s actions, which are aimed at finding “common ground” with each provincial government and cooperating on social programs and economic development.“That’s what Albertans expect. That’s what Canadians expect across the country,” he said. Join the Conversation This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.