Key Takeaways:
- A campaign called Stay Free Alberta is collecting signatures for a petition calling for a referendum on Alberta’s independence from Canada.
- The petition has gained significant support, with over 2,000 canvassers and long lines of people waiting to sign at community events.
- The main motivations behind the independence movement include a desire for change, concern for the future, and a sense of mistrust towards the federal government.
- The campaign has nearly four months to gather close to 178,000 signatures, and if successful, could lead to a referendum on Alberta’s independence.
- The provincial government has passed amendments to Bill 14, allowing citizen initiatives to go ahead even if their constitutionality has not been assessed.
Introduction to the Movement
The idea of Alberta seeking independence from Canada has been gaining momentum, with large crowds of people attending town meetings and signing petitions in support of a referendum. The Stay Free Alberta campaign, led by Mitch Sylvestre, CEO of the Alberta Prosperity Project, has been organizing events across the province to collect signatures and raise awareness about the issue. The campaign has already gained significant support, with over 2,000 canvassers and long lines of people waiting to sign at community events.
Motivations Behind the Movement
A common theme among people who have shown up to support the movement is a desire for change. Many attendees expressed frustration with the current system and feel that Alberta is not being heard or represented effectively in the federal government. Sara Moberg, who attended an event in Red Deer, stated that she wants to see change for her kids and doesn’t want them to inherit the debt and problems of the current system. Others, like Tracy Worthington, are hoping for independence and the ability to govern themselves without federal overreach. The sense of mistrust towards the federal government is also a significant factor, with many attendees feeling that the government is not working in the best interests of Alberta.
The Petition and Signature Collection
The petition, which was approved by Elections Alberta in December, has nearly four months to gather close to 178,000 signatures. If successful, the petition could lead to a referendum on Alberta’s independence. The campaign has been actively collecting signatures at community events, with long lines of people waiting to sign. Brandie Bowman, a supporter of the movement, is confident that the group will reach the required number of signatures, citing the enthusiasm and dedication of the canvassers and attendees. Mitch Sylvestre, the CEO of the Alberta Prosperity Project, has stated that the campaign already has over 2,000 canvassers and is a "true grassroots movement."
Potential Consequences and Implications
While some supporters of the movement, like Darwin Graff, believe that Alberta could face hard times initially if it separates from Canada, they also think that the province could thrive in the long run. Graff cited the oilsands and other resources as potential drivers of economic growth and stability. However, others have raised concerns about the potential consequences of separation, including the impact on trade, economy, and social services. The provincial government has passed amendments to Bill 14, which allows for citizen initiatives to go ahead even if their constitutionality has not been assessed. This has paved the way for the Stay Free Alberta campaign to move forward with its petition.
Counter-Movement and Opposition
Not everyone in Alberta is in favor of independence, and a counter-movement called "Forever Canadian" has been launched by former deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk. The "Forever Canadian" petition, which asks the opposing question of whether Alberta should remain within Canada, has already been verified as successful by Elections Alberta, with over 400,000 votes. Lukaszuk has stated that his goal is to have Premier Danielle Smith ask the petition’s question in the legislature and have MLAs vote on it. The success of both petitions has highlighted the deep divisions within Alberta and the need for a thorough and nuanced discussion about the potential consequences of independence.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The Stay Free Alberta campaign has made significant progress in its efforts to collect signatures and raise awareness about the issue of independence. With nearly four months to gather close to 178,000 signatures, the campaign is well on its way to potentially triggering a referendum on Alberta’s independence. As the debate continues, it is essential to consider the potential consequences and implications of separation, as well as the motivations and concerns of those on both sides of the issue. The next petition signing events are scheduled for Friday in Okotoks, Drayton Valley, and the James River Bridge area, with over 20 events planned across the province in the coming weeks.