Alberta separatists file new petition as MLAs approve $3M for referendum preparations

Alberta is inching closer and closer to a vote on leaving Canada after a fresh citizen initiative petition was filed with Elections Alberta.

Applicant Mitch Sylvestre believes now is the time for independence from Ottawa.

His proposed question: Do you agree that the Province of Alberta should cease to be a part of Canada to become an independent state?

“There is absolutely no question that this will benefit every Albertan and I challenge anyone who is educated to come up with one good reason that we should stay in Canada, based on the situation that we’re in,” said Sylvestre.

A judge already ruled that Sylvestre’s initial petition was unconstitutional and would violate treaty rights. But his new application comes after Premier Danielle Smith and Justice Minister Mickey Amery changed provincial rules to make the process “more permissive.”

“I’m kinda really happy that we were able to circumvent that court process,” Sylvestre said. “It was always a question to me why Quebec can hold two referendums, and we put a question in and they’re trying to disallow our question.”

On the other side of the argument is a former deputy premier.

Thomas Lukaszuk and his team have already gathered more than 400,000 signatures – for his “Forever Canadian” petition – in an effort to keep Alberta in Canada. He wants MLAs to vote on the matter so a referendum is avoided.

“Investor confidence in our province is already shaken and we’ve seen what happened to Quebec when they flirted with separatism,” Lukaszuk said. “However, if you want to have a referendum, we’re ready for it. Forever Canadian will put up a fight for Canada and for Alberta’s future in Canada.”

Premier Smith has repeatedly said she supports Alberta staying in Canada, but she was booed for saying that at her UCP annual general meeting two weeks ago.

READ: Alberta separation draws loud support during UCP AGM, Premier tries to subdue crowd

Lukaszuk believes the premier is changing rules to keep her party together – something the premier alluded to herself in a previous interview.

“First, she lowered the number of signatures for them and extended the time period,” Lukaszuk said. “Now that we know that their question is unconstitutional and violating all of our rights, she overrode that as well and is giving them a chance to collect signatures.”

‘Canada needs Alberta’

On the streets of Edmonton, CityNews spoke to Albertans about where they stand.

“We’re Canadians,” said Robina Whang. “That’s what we are. And I don’t think just because of political issues or all that stuff, I don’t think we should be separating.”

“We have oil. We don’t need the rest of Canada. Canada needs Alberta,” said Nicholas Master.

“I don’t think we should ever have the voices muffled,” added Philippe Parent Boulet. “And if there is going to be a vote, and people want to vote, I think that’s completely fair to do so.”

Last week, UCP and MDP MLAs approved an additional $3 million for Elections Alberta. That money will be used to prepare for a referendum vote in 2026.