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

Andrew Johnson observes the dramatic victory of the B.C. Conservatives and the political blunder that led to the collapse of the B.C. NDP; Maria Sarrouh has more on how some communities in P.E.I. are struggling to find enough people to run in their municipal elections; Alberta's referendum results have reignited discussions about immigration in Canada and the direction the federal government will take. Jeremie Charron reports.

B.C. has officially elected interim Conservative Party leader Lorne Doerkson as premier after David Eby called a snap election, P.E.I. schools say fewer international students are leading to increased tuition pressures for domestic students in the province; Carney’s new strategic partnership includes a plan for trade, defence, and energy, but not all Canadians are convinced; and more.

U.S. President Trump signals a broader Canada-U.S. trade deal is close as tariff exemptions emerge ahead of key U.S. midterm elections; PM Carney meets Turkish energy and defence firms in Istanbul as Canada seeks closer ties amid scrutiny of Türkiye’s human rights record; Preliminary referendum results show support for greater provincial control over immigration, prompting other provinces to seek changes. 

Five days after the fatal CFB Wainwright fire, military officials give an update on the injured and the investigation into the tragedy; Fake fundraisers are targeting the grieving families and friends of fallen Wainwright soldiers, including those of Pte. Shaun Farrell; Industry Minister Mélanie Joly gives Stelco’s U.S. owners 15 days to reverse layoff notices. Mike Le Couteur examines whether her ultimatum will work.

Graham Richardson breaks down a fact sheet released by the U.S. embassy, which includes a list of quotes indicating Canada is trying to influence U.S. voters; Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiled their plan to help Canadian manufacturers impacted by U.S. tariffs. Mike Le Couteur explains; Genevieve Beauchemin reports on what cybersecurity experts are warning could be the largest vulnerability they’ve ever had to patch.

More than three-quarters of Albertans voted to stay in Canada, while some one in four backed exploring separation; The Quebec government is breaking with royal tradition by swearing in cabinet ministers without the lieutenant-governor; Emotions run high as families grieve four killed servicemen and await updates on 33 injured soldiers, many suffering severe burns. Kathy Le reports.

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.