Third-party advertisers raise more for Alberta independence than pro-federation groups

Pro-Alberta independence campaigns have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in what's expected to be a drawn-out campaign on Alberta separation.

Pro-Alberta independence campaigns registered as third-party advertisers are leading the way when it comes to fundraising for this fall’s referendum, according to data from Elections Alberta.

As of July 2, $422,531.50 had been raised through 22 TPAs.

Campaign organizers are throwing on their work boots ahead of October’s 10-question referendum focused on immigration, the Constitution and whether Alberta should remain with Canada.

“Let Alberta Decide” is the name of one group campaigning for Alberta independence, and fundraising is off to a flying start.

“I would like to think it’s because we’re doing a better job and have maybe a better message, but all of the pro-independence groups are important, as are the ones that are for (staying in) Canada,” said lawyer Keith Wilson of Let Alberta Decide.

“I mean, this is what democracy is about.”

In nearly three weeks, the group has raised close to a quarter of a million dollars.

As of last week, the group had $207,334.95 raised.

These numbers were reported to Elections Alberta last week and show another independence campaign has secured $82,000 in donations.

But on the other side of the aisle is Stephen Carter and his pro-federation campaign, which had raised $26,000 as of last week.

“The separatists are raising about $150,000 a week. So, you know, we’re raising 10. They’re raising 150,” said Carter, representing Alberta’s Voice. “We have to be realistic. We’re not going to keep up with them.”

Carter says he has since raised an additional $10,000 since those numbers were reported.

Wilson says he is receiving donations from everyone and has had conversations on the campaign trail with those who wish to remain in Canada.

“From blue-collar professional moms, you know, the younger generation, grandparents. It’s really a broad spectrum,” Wilson said.

“This is the one that keeps us in Canada. And this is the one that says no, we’re not going to scapegoat immigrants, and we’re going to live by our Canadian Constitution,” Carter said.

The vast difference in fundraising is not a surprise to one political watcher.

“The folks that are in favour of separatism are pretty passionately motivated in their support and willing to put their money where their hearts are on this,” said Lori Williams, a political scientist at Mount Royal University.

Carter says his campaign is twofold: remain in Canada and convince people to vote down the nine government questions on immigration and the Constitution.

“I’m facing off against the separatists for one question. I’m facing off against our own Alberta government for the other nine questions,” Carter said.

As for Wilson, he says he is up against pro-federation groups and the provincial government, which face no rules on spending.

“The frustrating thing for those like myself who believe Alberta would be better off independent is that these announcements all involve taxpayer money committing further debt to our children and our grandchildren,” Wilson said.

There are 22 registered third-party advertisers for the referendum with Elections Alberta.

Each group can raise a maximum of $607,000.

Wilson’s group has already raised one-third of its maximum allowable donations, and there are no rules around how many groups a person can operate under Elections Alberta.

An individual, union or business can contribute up to $5,000 to a campaign annually.