Carney warns constitutional reforms 'difficult,' says he's after 'common solutions'

One day after Albertans voted to reject separatism, Prime Minister Mark Carney says he favours pursuing pragmatic "common solutions" with the provinces on issues under federal jurisdiction.

Carney warned today that constitutional change can be a "difficult" and drawn-out process and said disputes in areas like immigration can be resolved without constitutional amendments.

Carney made the comments to reporters as he welcomed the results of the Alberta referendum, which saw about three-quarters of the province vote against separating from Canada.

Nine other referendum questions, which had far narrower margins, called for more provincial powers in federal areas such as immigration and recommended a series of constitutional changes.

They include abolishing the Senate and giving provinces the authority to appoint Superior Court judges.

While Carney said before the referendum that Albertans should vote "no to the nine," he told Alberta broadcaster Ryan Jespersen ahead of the referendum vote that he is "open" to constitutional reforms where there is "consensus."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2026.

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