Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned Friday that forces outside the country were seeking to divide Canada ahead of a referendum on Alberta's future scheduled for Monday.

Speaking at the Forever Canadian Rally in Edmonton, Alberta, Carney said the referendum "comes at the worst possible time."

The vote will ask Albertans whether to remain in Canada or hold a second, binding referendum on separation.

"The world is becoming more dangerous and divided," Carney told supporters.

"Open your eyes. There are some outside our borders who are working to break us, so they can own us. Never, never," he said.

Carney also acknowledged that promises made between nations had been broken throughout Canada's history.

"When something's not right, when something's not fair, we as Albertans, as Canadians, we don't hide from it, we don't walk away from it," he said.

"We fix it together, and we become stronger because of it, because that is Alberta, that is Canada," he added.

Carney highlights energy independence

Turning to the government's energy agenda, Carney emphasized Alberta's role in Canada's economic development.

"Canada is building big again. Alberta is at the very heart of it," he said.

Carney said the Pacific Link pipeline would help Canada develop its energy resources and reduce its reliance on the US.

"By building the Pacific Link pipeline, we are launching our full energy potential. We are reducing our dependence on the United States," he said.

The prime minister urged Albertans to reject separation and support Canada's unity.

"Now is the time to build, not break. It's our turn to stand up for Canada," he said.

Carney also stressed the importance of voter participation.

"So once again, turnout will decide this referendum because polls don't vote; only people vote," he added. (AA)