Good morning. Edmonton native Mark Carney visited his old high school and filmed a message to exhort Albertans to stay in Canada, praising the province’s contributions to the country over generations. More on that below, along with a novel idea to fight loneliness and a Calgary musician’s global honour.

A week before Albertans decide whether to pursue an independence referendum, the Prime Minister made his pitch for them to stay in Canada, saying in a recorded video that the country can’t build big things if it is divided and that it is facing threats to its economy, security and way of life.

The pitch: “I’m back home a lot these days because we are building big things again in Alberta,” Carney said, citing new homes, high-speed rail and the proposed pipeline to the West Coast. At an uncertain time for the country, “We have to be strong, and we are stronger together. Generations of Albertans helped build this country. It’s yours. It’s ours. And it’s worth fighting for.”

The referendum: Advance polls open today, with a majority of Albertans voting next Monday on 10 ballot questions, including one about whether the province should stay in Canada or hold a second, binding referendum on leaving. Polls suggest 70 per cent or more of Albertans want to stay, but federalist organizer Thomas Lukaszuk cautioned against overconfidence based on those numbers.

Opinion:

• Don’t buy it when the separatists say the referendum is about leverage, Edmonton-based Globe editor Tyler Dawson writes.
• Staying in Canada is the best option for Alberta businesses, according to Capital Power CEO Avik Dey.

The RCMP plans to strengthen its links with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation even as experts warn against deepening the cross-border relationship. Law professor Kent Roach, a former chair of the RCMP’s management advisory board, argues in a new book that the Mounties have grown too dependent on the FBI.

The ties: RCMP-FBI co-operation has been credited for dismantling gangs such as Ryan Wedding’s alleged drug-trafficking organization. Roach writes that the Mounties have relied on the bureau’s tips to learn about national-security threats, and that they are embracing FBI-led partnerships to have Canadian wanted criminals stand trial in U.S. courts.

The deceased ex-soldier who tried to carry out a mass shooting at a synagogue in Belleville, Ont., on the evening of Yom Kippur did not have a firearms licence at the time of the attack, according to a police source with direct knowledge of the investigation.

The background: Sean Ward brought firearms, ammunition and gasoline to the Sons of Jacob Synagogue on Sept. 20, then ambushed a police officer who was parked outside to provide security, sparking a violent gun battle. Despite being shot in the head at the scene, the officer, Jeff Smith, called for backup and managed to help thwart the attack before the shooter could breach the synagogue’s doors.

The Alberta government recommended a company linked to businessman Sam Mraiche to build a $35-million addiction recovery centre on a First Nation near Calgary, according to the community’s former lawyer. Tsuut’ina Nation is one of several Indigenous communities building addiction treatment facilities funded by the province.

The details: Terry Braun alleges in a court document that the Alberta government played a role in Tsuut’ina’s selection of Melewka Homes Ltd. The builder has been linked in court filings to Mraiche, who is a central figure in a health care procurement controversy in the province and has connections to powerful figures in Danielle Smith’s government.