Edmonton (Rajeev Sharama): In defiance of freezing -20°C temperatures, hundreds of Albertans gathered on Saturday at city halls in Calgary, Edmonton, and Medicine Hat to voice their opposition to the province’s burgeoning sovereignty movement. The “Alberta is Canada” rallies served as a grassroots counter-response to the Alberta Prosperity Project and the “Stay Free Alberta” petition, which is currently seeking signatures to trigger a referendum on independence.
The demonstrations featured a diverse coalition of voices, ranging from Indigenous advocates to queer community organizers. Nicole Johnston, an Indigenous advocate and event organizer, emphasized that any path toward separation is profoundly complicated by existing First Nations treaties. She noted that these treaties are foundational to the land and would likely lead to a legal and political process so complex it would “outlive Danielle Smith’s term.”
Economic and Social Concerns
The debate over Alberta’s future has sparked warnings from both citizens and political figures regarding the potential fallout of a “Yes” vote:
- Business Stability: Joe Ceci, former Finance Minister and current Calgary Buffalo MLA, warned that separatism acts as a deterrent for private investment. He argued that uncertainty would destabilize the province and hinder Alberta’s ability to attract global talent who specifically seek Canadian citizenship.
- A “Ridiculous” Question: For 95-year-old participant Leonard Olean, the concept of leaving Canada remains “absurd.” Reflecting on nearly a century of life in the province, Olean highlighted that Alberta’s strength lies in its shared Canadian identity—one built on safety, quality of life, and mutual care.
- Community Sovereignty: James Demers of Queer Citizens United asserted that maintaining Canadian sovereignty is vital for protecting the rights and integrity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community within the province.
The Path Ahead
While rally participants showcased a 400,000-signature petition from “Forever Canadian” demanding the province stay put, separatist advocates remain undeterred. The Alberta Prosperity Project reported “large volumes” of signatures for their own cause, with a deadline of May 2 to reach the 177,732 names required to move their initiative forward.
Despite the political tension, a brief moment of national unity emerged as participants discussed the upcoming Winter Olympics men’s hockey gold medal game. Even the oldest ralliers, including Olean, confirmed they would be at local pubs by 6:00 a.m. Sunday to cheer on Team Canada, proving that while political lines are being drawn, the “shout for the maple leaf” still resonates across the provincial divide.
