Carney says Alberta separation question a 'dangerous bluff'

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday that Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's referendum question on whether to hold a future referendum on separation is "not helpful."

Speaking to reporters at an affordable housing announcement in suburban Ottawa, Carney was asked if he had counselled Smith against holding such a divisive vote.

"The premier doesn't always take my advice," Carney said in response.

Carney, who was the governor of the Bank of England when the U.K. crashed out of the European Union, said he has firsthand experience of how referendum questions like this can spiral out of control.

He said the results of a referendum on whether to hold another referendum can be interpreted as the final say on whether to leave or stay.

Carney said the federal government is also reviewing Smith's question to see if it triggers the Clarity Act.

Under that law, the House of Commons decides whether a provincial referendum question is clear before it can be put to voters.

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