Former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney warned that Alberta's potential referendum on separating from Canada could become a "dangerous bluff" similar to Brexit.

Carney, who served as governor of the Bank of England during Britain's 2016 vote to leave the European Union, drew parallels between the Alberta separation movement and the Brexit referendum. He suggested that such a vote could have unintended consequences that backfire on supporters.

The comments come amid ongoing tensions between Alberta and the federal government over various policy issues. Some Alberta politicians and activists have proposed holding a referendum on the province's relationship with Canada, though no formal vote has been scheduled.

Carney's Brexit comparison highlights concerns about referendums on complex constitutional issues. The Brexit vote resulted in years of political and economic uncertainty in Britain, with many arguing the full implications were not well understood by voters at the time.

As a former central banker who oversaw monetary policy during one of Britain's most turbulent political periods, Carney's warnings carry particular weight in discussions about potential constitutional changes in Canada. His experience managing the economic fallout from Brexit provides insight into the potential risks of separation movements.