Carney vows a better Canada after Alberta plans vote on seeking independence

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Albertans have made huge contributions to Canada (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP)

Prime Minister Mark Carney has said he is determined to build a better Canada after the leader of the country’s oil-rich province of Alberta announced a public vote on whether to move towards independence.

Alberta premier Danielle Smith said on Thursday that a vote would be held on October 19 on whether Alberta should stay in Canada or take legal steps under the constitution to hold a binding referendum on leaving.