Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Campaigners seeking a referendum on Alberta’s separation from Canada have expanded their petition drive to Calgary for the first time, marking a new phase in a movement that has already seen signings across rural communities and smaller towns in recent weeks.
Outside the Big Four Roadhouse on Monday, residents formed a lineup to sign the petition, which calls for a province-wide vote on whether Alberta should become an independent country.
Some participants cited economic frustration as their primary motivation. Scott Negraiff, one of the signatories, said he believes Alberta would be more prosperous on its own, pointing to financial and fiscal concerns. Others expressed mixed feelings, including Tomas Variak, who said he remains proud of Canada but is unhappy with how Alberta is treated within the federation.
The petition is being organized by Stay Free Alberta, a group advocating for a referendum on provincial independence. Supporters argue that federal policies—particularly equalization payments and national decision-making—have unfairly favoured Ontario and Quebec at Alberta’s expense.
“You can’t govern the country by focusing on just two provinces,” said supporter Gerry Winnicki. “People in every region need to be heard.”
Under Alberta’s Referendum Act, the organizers must gather 177,732 valid signatures by May 2 for the question to be reviewed and potentially brought before the provincial legislature. Stay Free Alberta’s general counsel, Jeffrey Rath, said the group is confident it will meet the requirement.
“We’re well on track toward the ambitious target we’ve set,” Rath said, adding that a strong showing would send a clear signal to Alberta’s political leadership that the movement has momentum.
Rath also outlined what he believes independence could offer, including sweeping changes to Alberta’s tax system, such as removing income, carbon and capital gains taxes.
However, the effort faces significant challenges. Several First Nations have launched legal actions opposing the petition, arguing that Alberta cannot pursue separation without their consent due to treaty rights and constitutional obligations.
Political leaders have also questioned whether separatist sentiment reflects the views of most Albertans. Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi said the feedback he has heard suggests the majority remain committed to Canada.
“Albertans are proud Canadians,” Nenshi said. “They always have been, and they always will be.”
Public opinion data appears to support that view. A recent Ipsos poll found that most Albertans oppose separation, though roughly one-third expressed support—levels comparable to those seen historically in Quebec.
The renewed debate comes as separatist rhetoric has also resurfaced in Quebec, where the Parti Québécois recently rallied supporters around the idea of independence. At the same time, Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged Canadians to focus on unity amid growing external pressures.
Political scientist Duane Bratt said it is unlikely either Alberta or Quebec would ultimately vote to leave Canada, but noted that the resurgence of such movements reflects broader national tensions.
“There’s a lot of attention on unity right now,” Bratt said, “especially as Canada faces serious challenges, including pressure from the United States.”
At the Calgary signing event, supporters were quick to stress that their push is about independence, not alignment with another country.
“No one here is looking to join the U.S.,” Negraiff said. “This is about standing on our own.”
