Canadians are marking National Day 2026, but celebrations come as Prime Minister Mark Carney faces growing pressure to preserve the country’s unity.
Two separatist movements are gaining momentum. In Alberta, voters will hold a referendum on provincial sovereignty in October. In Quebec, the separatist Parti Québécois is leading opinion polls ahead of provincial elections and has pledged to hold another independence referendum by 2030 if elected.
Carney has described Canada as “worth fighting for” and is expected to use his Canada Day visit to his hometown of Edmonton to promote national unity. He has also warned that promises made during independence campaigns can be misleading, drawing on his experience during the UK’s Brexit debate.
Political analysts say regional tensions have existed since Canada’s founding, but Alberta’s current movement has been fuelled by dissatisfaction over federal energy policies and broader political divisions. Meanwhile, Quebec continues to defend its distinct French-speaking identity.
The federal government has recently signed an agreement with Alberta that could pave the way for a new Pacific oil pipeline and announced major infrastructure funding for Quebec in an effort to ease provincial concerns.
Despite rising separatist sentiment, most Canadians still believe the country will remain united as leaders work to bridge regional divides.
