CTV National News for Friday, October 16, 2026: Alberta separation referendum nears as PM Carney, Premier Smith urge voters to stay in Canada

Albertans headed to the polls for a historic vote on separation, decidedly voting to remain part of Canada; a grieving community begins the long road to recovery after tragedy at CFB Wainwright; a Canadian couple who voted in Quebec’s 1995 separation referendum faced a similar moment in Alberta; and more.

The friends and families of the four victims from the deadly fire on the Wainwright military base mourn throughout the country; hospitals and emergency medical teams acted quickly to respond to the fire that injured dozens of people and killed four others; King Charles and Queen Camilla are among those sending well wishes; and more.

Officials say a large fire has broken out at an armed forces military base in Wainwright, Alberta; hundreds in Calgary marches in support of staying in Canada, while the opposite sentiment was felt at a demonstration in Edmonton; Manitoba farmers are calling on the RCMP to investigate a string of cattle thefts over the last several years; and more.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith urge voters in the province's separation referendum to remain in Canada; Abigail Bimman breaks down nine additional ballot questions Albertans will have to consider that could shape the province’s future; A deadly bus explosion sparks safety concerns about the hundreds of compressed natural gas buses in service across Canada. 

A decade-long Canadian study explores how ultra-processed foods may affect body fat, metabolism, and the risks of stroke and dementia; Canadians are urged to check their cheese after a nationwide recall of various brands due to Listeria contamination; Kathy Le reports from Coutts, Alta., where residents weigh separatist sentiment, cross-border trade, and the community’s role in Canada-U.S. relations.

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra is warning Canadians to stay out of U.S. politics ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. Abigail Bimman has the details; Heather Wright reports on the response by Labour Minister Melanie Joly after Stelco’s American owner defended its decision to cut jobs at its Ontario plant; Alex Karpa shares the human story behind the beloved character Winnie the Pooh as the famous bear turns 100-years-old.

Advance polling is underway in Alberta's separation referendum and on nine other issues, with turnout key to the vote's outcome; Prime Minister Mark Carney is criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump’s diesel fuel supply agreement with Russia; A fatal incident at a Six Flags park has triggered safety reviews and ride closures at amusement parks across North America. 

As Alberta prepares for a non-binding separation referendum, federal leaders are taking their message directly to voters to keep the province in Canada; Federal agents executed a search warrant at the home of Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar weeks before the U.S. midterm elections; A new report warns that ChatGPT may not be safe for teens, raising concerns about the chatbot’s use for homework and advice.

Students at private career colleges say the OSAP payment freeze could add extra strain to Ontario's health care system; P.E.I. local Randy Garrett volunteered with Jeeps For Peace to help deliver humanitarian aid in war-torn Ukraine; cannabis store staff members are urging the provincial government to provide better safety legislation after a woman was assaulted; and more.

Former Stelco employees are left feeling frustrated and disheartened as the company’s widespread layoffs begin days before Thanksgiving; food banks throughout the country are facing massive demands as the cost of living continues to impact Canadians at the grocery store; The ALS Society of Canada is now calling on the government for more funding to see why military veterans are disproportionately impacted by the disease; and more.