Province deems September 1 as Alberta Day

The provincial government is designating Sept. 1 as Alberta Day.

The province says recognition of the day will “celebrate Alberta’s rich cultural heritage and recognize its unique place in Confederation.”

Premier Jason Kenney says Alberta is exceptional.

“We are the custodians of one of the world’s most beautiful and diverse natural environments. The Indigenous people of this place are an inspiration in how they have overcome great adversity to create an ever brighter future, rooted in their ancient cultures and customs,” Kenney said.

Alberta first became a Canadian province on Sept 1, 1905, with the Alberta Act. The government says “Alberta Day gives Albertans an opportunity every year to come together in a spirit of celebration and express their pride in all things that are uniquely Albertan.”

“The pioneer spirit and entrepreneurial culture of Alberta have driven our province to become one of the most prosperous and generous places on Earth. We must remember and learn from our history and acknowledge our shortcomings while proudly celebrating our heroes and achievements,” Kenney adds. “Creating a new annual tradition of Alberta Day – the day we entered Confederation – will be one way of showing our pride in this amazing province.”

The province says it will host celebrations in Calgary and Edmonton for the newly named Alberta Day, potentially in tandem with Platinum Jubilee celebrations in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.

“Throughout our 116-year history, Albertans have been generous, disciplined and creative,” said Minister of Culture Ron Orr. “We should be proud of the province we have built together. Establishing Sept. 1 as Alberta Day is a significant step in affirming Alberta’s unique spirit, our contributions to and challenges within Confederation and what it means to be Albertan.”

Alberta Day is not a statutory holiday.