Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday urged Alberta to remain in Canada, warning that a vote next week on whether to hold a referendum on leaving Canada would begin a “long and uncertain process” at a dangerous time for the country.

“This year, Thanksgiving is a bit different,” Carney said in a holiday message to Canadians. “A week from today, Albertans will have the opportunity to make an important decision about their future, whether to remain part of Canada or begin a long and uncertain process through which Alberta could separate from Canada.”

Canada celebrates Thanksgiving in October, unlike the U.S., where it falls in late November.

The Oct. 19 vote asks Albertans whether the province should remain in Canada or begin the process of holding a referendum on separation.