Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): A new citizen-led organization in Alberta is working to ensure the province remains part of Canada. Over the long weekend, members of Forever Canadian were out in Old Strathcona asking residents a simple but powerful question: “Do you agree that Alberta should remain in Canada?”
The group began collecting signatures on Saturday from legal Alberta voters who oppose the idea of provincial separation. Their ultimate goal is to push the provincial government to include anti-separatism measures in its policy decisions.
“Albertans are proud Canadians,” said John Lobe, a volunteer canvassing for signatures. “Since we started Forever Canadian, we’ve been receiving hundreds of emails every day from people who feel the same way.”
A Response to Separatist Sentiment
The movement emerged in response to growing separatist discussions, which intensified following the 2025 federal election. The Alberta Prosperity Project recently applied to have a question on Alberta’s separation placed on the ballot.
However, Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure has now referred that application to a judge to determine whether it violates the Constitution.
In the meantime, former Progressive Conservative Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk applied with Elections Alberta to launch a formal petition against separatism. That request was approved last Wednesday, giving the group until October 28 to collect nearly 300,000 signatures, 10 per cent of all eligible voters from the 2023 provincial election.
Strong Early Support
At Saturday’s canvassing event, Forever Canadian volunteers were met with both support and opposition. A small group of separatists with a banner reading “Alberta Sovereignty Now!” demonstrated across from the petition table.
“This petition is a direct counter to the loud separatist voices. They do not represent most Albertans,” Lukaszuk said in a statement. “This is our chance to prove it.”
Lukaszuk told CTV News Edmonton he was encouraged by the turnout from across the political spectrum.
“This is not about politics,” he said. “We may disagree on policies, but when it comes to being proud Canadians, we’re on the same team.”
What Happens Next
If successful, the petition would compel Premier Danielle Smith to take action.
“Premier Smith will have to decide,” Lobe said. “She can either adopt this as government policy, end the separatist talk, and repeal legislation like the Sovereignty Act—or she can put it to a referendum. And if it goes to a referendum, Albertans will make it clear: enough of this separation nonsense.”
With three months to collect the necessary signatures, Forever Canadian’s campaign has only just begun, but organizers say the strong first-day response has strengthened their belief in the movement.
