Politicians often refer to examples in history to make a point about a particular idea, policy or event. It can be an effective tool in everything from election campaigns to legislative speeches. Except when it’s not.  

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently made a significant political blunder when he tried to compare a referendum that will occur in one of the country’s provinces to, of all things, Brexit. Not only was this a poor campaign strategy, it ended up massively backfiring and leaving the PM with plenty of egg on his face.

Let’s go back a few steps to understand why.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced a referendum in her province that may determine its future in our country. The question will be quite straightforward, ‘Should Alberta remain a province of Canada or should the Government of Alberta commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada?’

Carney, who served as the Governor of the Bank of England from 2013-2020, unwisely decided to fan the political flames by comparing the forthcoming Alberta referendum to Brexit. He described the former a ‘dangerous bluff’ to reporters........

© The Spectator