Former Premier Kenney joins anti-separatist effort, ‘Vote to Stay’
Posted May 22, 2026 12:06 pm.
Last Updated May 22, 2026 12:39 pm.
Former Premier Jason Kenney has thrown his support behind an effort to combat Alberta separatism, one day after current Premier Danielle Smith announced a question on the matter would be added to the Oct. 19 referendum.
In a post to social media announcing the movement, the former premier reiterated his stance on the issue.
“Like the vast majority of Albertans, I’m both a proud Canadian, and a proud Albertan,” Kenney said. “We are a smart, hard working, innovative and loyal people. Those who went before us built one of the most prosperous and generous societies on Earth.
“And we’re not going to let anyone tear apart our home, the true North strong and free. It’s time to fight for our country. Alberta: let’s lead, not leave.”
‘Vote to Stay’ describes itself as a group of proud Albertans who believe deeply in this province, its people, and its future within a strong and united Canada.
Among its proponents are former premier Kenney, former Alberta Minister of Finance and one-time United Conservative Party leader hopeful Travis Toes, four-term Medicine Hat MP and Stephen Harper cabinet minister Monte Solberg, who is acting as chair, and co-founder of Canadian commentary Substack and journalist Jen Gerson.
The website, votetostay.ca, says it’s purpose is to unite Albertans who want to protect Alberta’s future, defend our prosperity, and keep Alberta strong within a united Canada — while motivating every Albertan who believes in staying in Canada to show up, speak out, and vote.
The effort is nearly identical to one launched by the Alberta NDP weeks ago, ‘For Alberta, For Canada.’
Both campaigns ask for voters to pledge their vote to support Alberta staying in Canada.
The NDP-powered effort held a ‘Day of Action’ earlier this month where it door-knocked to garner support.
Leader Naheed Nenshi says despite being powered by the Alberta NDP, For Alberta, For Canada, is non-partisan.
In a media availabilty Friday, the leader acknowledged Kenney’s eloquence on the subject, before quipping “An arsonist can’t call the fire department.”
Despite those comments, Nenshi said: “We welcome everybody, Every single person needs to be a part of this.”
At Confederation Park in Calgary Friday, Nenshi was joined by dozens of supporters, including fellow MLAs, and Olympian Catriona Le May Doan.
Le May Doan says she’s seen Canadians across different communities unite under the emblem of the maple leaf.
She says every Canadian has a role to play in standing up for the country, regardless of their celebrity status.
CityNews Calgary has reached out to Vote to Stay for comment.
