Carney’s comment irks Smith, and a jab at sensitive Americans: 6 key moments from PM’s Calgary visit

Prime Minister Mark Carney was in Calgary on Thursday, where he visited Cinnamon Indian Cuisine and Bar to enjoy some pakoras, met with volunteers from Public Interest Alberta and gave a speech at a Forever Canadian rally.

On Friday, Carney will attend another rally in Edmonton and visit Red Deer with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, all as part of his efforts to drum up support for keeping Alberta in Confederation.

“A vote against Canada is a dangerous bluff,” the PM warned in his speech, adding, “There are some outside our borders who are working to break us so they can own us.”

From displays of patriotism to moments of friction, here are six key moments from the PM’s visit to Calgary.

Speaking to a crowd in Calgary, Carney encouraged Albertans to vote “no to the nine,” referencing a federalist advertising campaign urging voters to reject the nine ballot questions on Oct. 19, as well as voting to remain in Canada.

Four of those questions ask whether the province should work to amend Canada’s Constitution, while the other five relate to immigration — including whether Alberta should have increased control over immigration.

The comment has caused friction with Premier Smith, who responded with the counter message of “yes to the rest” in a post on X.

The Prime Minister and I have found common ground on many things over the last 18 months. However, it appears that he has yet to fully understand just how damaging the open-border policies of his predecessor were. Those policies caused Canada’s cost of living to skyrocket,… https://t.co/gLEFcDEfPH

— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) October 15, 2026

“The Prime Minister and I have found common ground on many things over the last 18 months. However, it appears that he has yet to fully understand just how damaging the open-border policies of his predecessor were,” she wrote.

“That’s why I’m encouraging Albertans to vote ‘yes to the rest’ to give our government a strong mandate to take more control over our immigration system.”

Later in the day, Carney visited the student hall food court at the University of Calgary, where he greeted students by shaking their hands and answering questions.

While he was there, one man asked the prime minister to sign his chest. “I’m not gonna sign your chest,” Carney replied.

During his speech at the Forever Canadian rally, Carney made reference to recent comments from U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, about potential election interference.

“We are closely watching Canadian activities because it appears that some of this, from our perspective, and the way that we view our elections, could be inferred to be election interference,” Hoekstra said in a podcast appearance on Tuesday. “Keep your nose out of American politics,” he added.

Carney said in his speech on Thursday that the Pacific Link pipeline will reduce Canada’s dependence on the U.S., a statement that prompted the crowd to erupt in applause.

“Careful. They might think that’s election interference. They’re a little touchy down there. We’re not. We’re getting on with it,” he added.

Threats from the U.S.

“This referendum comes at the worst possible time,” Carney said. “The world has become more dangerous and divided. There are some outside our borders who are working to break us so they can own us.”

Though the PM didn’t directly mention the U.S. or President Donald Trump, he’s made similar comments in past speeches. “The new U.S. tariffs are designed to hurt and divide us,” he previously said in a statement following the breakdown of trade negotiations between the two countries in August. “They are a miscalculation, because Canadians will always take care of each other. We know we’re stronger together.”

Meanwhile, Carney’s speech in Calgary came the day after Trump reignited his “51st state” rhetoric at a campaign rally in Arizona on Wednesday.

“Don’t be fooled by the idea you can ‘send a message’ with your vote,” the PM also said. “This is not poker. A vote against Canada is a dangerous bluff that will lead to years of deep division and great uncertainty.”

Partway through his speech, Carney paused to address a medical emergency in the crowd.

“Can we get help…there at my 11 o’clock,” he directed first responders from on stage, pointing to a crowd member who needed assistance.

After a pause while the emergency was being dealt with, the crowd started chanting “Carney, Carney,” to which the PM responded by prompting them to shout “Canada” instead.

During the ensuing lull while the medical emergency was being dealt with, a member of the crowd asked the PM about his cat, Nico.

“Nico’s home alone, actually,” he responded. “He’s put on a bit of weight…he’s good,” he added, before clarifying to the crowd that Nico is his cat. “A Canadian cat,” he said, prompting cheers from his audience.

Thanks fur mentioning me in your speech tonight, @MarkJCarney! 😺🇨🇦

— 🇨🇦 Nico Carney, Purr Minister of Canada (@CarneyPurr67561) October 16, 2026

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