Calgary sees lineups of Albertans to sign petition on separation

Kathy Le looks at the push by the Alberta separatist movement as petition drives begin hitting communities throughout the province.

CALGARY — Petition drives calling for a referendum on Alberta separating from Canada have been held across the province in recent weeks, everywhere from small communities and rural halls, and now to Calgary for the first time.

Outside the Big Four Roadhouse at a signing event in Calgary, a lineup formed as people waited to add their names to the petition.

“Alberta would be better off if we separated from the rest of Canada,” said Scott Negraiff, who cited economic and financial reasons.

Tomas Variak, another person who signed, said he still loves Canada, but feels dissatisfied with the way Alberta is treated within the federation.

The petition is being organized by the group Stay Free Alberta, which seeks a referendum on whether the province should become an independent country. Supporters argue Alberta has been disadvantaged by federal policies, including equalization and national decision making, which they say prioritizes Ontario and Quebec.

“You can’t just govern for two provinces. You have to listen to people in all parts of the country,” said Gerry Winnicki.

“We’ve sent $650 billion to Ontario and Quebec over the last 50 years. That’s just not done anywhere else in the world. So, what do you expect us to do? Just to keep doing that?”

Under Alberta’s Referendum Act, organizers must collect 177,732 valid signatures by May 2 for the question to be verified and potentially brought before the legislature.

Jeffrey Rath, general counsel for Stay Free Alberta, said he is confident the group will meet that threshold.

“We’re well on our way to the million-signature goal that we set for this campaign. And that’s going to send a really, really strong message to the politicians in Alberta, so that they understand that this is a real movement.”

Rath said an independent Alberta would have the ability to overhaul its tax system, including eliminating income, carbon and capital gains taxes.

Despite his optimism, the path forward has obstacles.

Several First Nations groups have launched legal challenges against the petition, arguing that Alberta cannot pursue separation without their consent, citing treaty rights and constitutional obligations.

Political leaders have also pushed back on the idea that separatism reflects the will of most Albertans. Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi said the conversations he has heard tell a different story.

“At the end of the day, the most compelling argument is the one we’ve heard from hundreds and hundreds, if not thousands of Albertans over the last several months,” Nenshi said.

“And that’s simply this: Albertans are proud Canadians. Always have been. Always will be.”

Polling appears to support that view. A recent Ipsos survey found most Albertans oppose separation, although about one-third expressed support, a level similar to sentiment seen in Quebec.

That comparison has drawn renewed attention as the Parti Québécois rallied supporters around the prospect of Quebec independence at its party convention over the weekend, while Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged Canadians to focus on national unity.

Political scientist Duane Bratt said while neither Alberta nor Quebec is likely to vote to leave Canada, the renewed focus on separatism reflects broader pressures facing the country.

“I don’t think either referendum will pass,” Bratt said.

“But there’s a lot of energy being focused on national unity at a time when Canada is dealing with major external threats, including from the United States.”

At the Calgary event, some supporters were quick to draw a distinction between independence and alignment with another country.

“I don’t think anyone in this lineup is interested in joining the U.S.,” said Negraiff.

For those gathered, the push, they say, is about independence.