Prime Minister Mark Carney has called the upcoming Alberta referendum on separation from Canada a “dangerous bluff”, comparing it to the Brexit vote that saw the UK leave the European Union.

Carney, who led the Bank of England during Brexit, said that 10 years on from the referendum the UK was “trying to undo what people didn’t think they were voting for, but what they ended up having”.

He also cautioned against voting in favour of a separation vote as a way to strengthen Alberta’s negotiating position with Ottawa, saying it may bring unintended consequences.

Albertans will decide 19 October whether they want to remain part of Canada or hold a binding vote on separation at a later date.