Carney says he understands 'frustrations' of pro-independence Albertans

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney gave a rare comment on the rise of separatist sentiment in Alberta, saying in an interview that he understands the “frustrations” of Albertans mulling an exit from Canada.

“I understand the frustrations … in the development of resources in the province, realizing the full potential of Alberta,” Carney told Ryan Jespersen, the host of the online radio show Real Talk.

He added that, despite the current tensions, he hoped Albertans wouldn’t lose sight of how fortunate they and other Canadians are by global standards.

“The world admires and respects our country. We’re not perfect (but) the world wants what we have … We’re stronger together,” said Carney, who is in Edmonton this week for the Liberals’ national caucus meeting .

Carney, who grew up in Edmonton, has only talked about separatism in his home province on a few occasions since becoming prime minister in March.

He said during a visit to the Calgary Stampede in July that he was taking grievances coming out of Alberta “seriously.”

During a May stopover in Washington, D.C., Carney spoke haltingly about the prospect of a referendum on Alberta independence next year.

“As an Albertan, I firmly believe you can always ask, but I know how I would respond,” Carney told reporters.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has said she’ll put an independence question on next year’s referendum ballot if grassroots organizers collect enough signatures. A question proposed by the pro-independence Alberta Prosperity Project (APP) has been challenged in court .

Recent polls put support for independence in the 20 to 30 per cent range among Albertans.

Jeff Rath, a lawyer with the APP, called Carney’s words “meaningless platitudes” that gloss over Alberta’s dire economic straits.

“(Carney) must think we’re pretty stupid if he thinks we don’t notice the correlation between his government’s policies and the fact that Alberta’s unemployment rate is inching up on Newfoundland’s ,” said Rath.

Alberta’s unemployment rate ticked up to 8.4 per cent in August , higher than any province other than Newfoundland.

Carney also told Jespersen on Wednesday that he had an “open” working relationship with Smith.

“We’re open about our perspective and we’re working constructively through them,” said Carney.

He said he’d be meeting face-to-face with Smith later in the day.

Carney was not asked about a report earlier in the morning that there will be no oil and gas pipelines on his first list of major projects, expected to be unveiled Thursday.

He said in July that it was “highly, highly likely” that a pipeline would make the list.

Smith said Wednesday that she was withholding comment on the matter until the list was made public.

Carney told Jespersen a second wave of major projects would be announced by the time the next Grey Cup kicks off on Nov. 16.

National Post rmohamed@postmedia.com

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