The Alberta independence debate is heating up. Here’s how groups are mobilizing ahead of possible referendum.

Rival rallies in Edmonton highlight a growing divide as organizers collect signatures to trigger a possible Alberta separation referendum this fall.

EDMONTON -- A growing political divide in Alberta is emerging as supporters and opponents of provincial independence ramp up efforts ahead of a possible referendum as early as this fall.

In Edmonton on Thursday, supporters of a united Canada gathered at La Cité francophone, where the grassroots unity movement Forever Canadian announced a partnership with the Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta (ACFA), the province’s main Francophonie organization.

The announcement comes as organizers anticipate a potential referendum this year on Alberta’s future.

“We acknowledge the fact that there are issues in the relationship within our federation,” said Thomas Lukaszuk, a former Alberta deputy premier and spokesperson for the Forever Canadian movement.

“Albertans have issues. British Columbia and Nova Scotians have issues. Those issues need to be resolved, but separation is not the answer.”

Forever Canadian says it gathered nearly half a million signatures during a petition campaign last year. Organizers say they are now mobilizing supporters again, activating volunteers across the province to host town halls and launch a new sign-up campaign.

The group says the movement is now officially bilingual to broaden its reach.

Elsewhere in the city, supporters of Alberta independence are also gathering signatures for their own petition aimed at triggering a provincewide vote.

Anthony Thompson offered up his business for canvassers to collect signatures. He says his two businesses, Morinville Flooring Centre and Konig Flooring, have collected about 2,000 signatures in just two weeks.

He believes Alberta would be economically stronger as an independent country.

“Becoming our own country, we will unlock our oil and gas and resources and sell to wherever we like,” Thompson said.

“We’re tired of being pushed in the corner by Ottawa.”

Since the start of the year, the group Stay Free Alberta has been collecting names at signing events across the province, with some locations drawing long lines of supporters.

Several recent polls suggest about one-third of Albertans support independence.

And others argue the separatist movement is louder than it is large.

“Most Albertans want to stay in Canada,” said Mabel Chan-Simons, a volunteer with Forever Canadian.

“I just think the separatists are the loudest.”

Supporters of the Forever Canadian petition say they anticipate their question on Alberta remaining in Canada could also go to a referendum in October, potentially alongside a vote on independence.

Under provincial rules, organizers of the independence petition must collect just under 178,000 signatures by May 2 to trigger a provincewide referendum.