Hundreds Rally to Support Alberta’s Secession from Canada Referendum
In a significant show of support, hundreds of Albertans demonstrated their desire for the province to secede from Canada by signing a petition. The event took place in Stony Plain, just west of Edmonton, where residents braved extremely cold temperatures to participate.
Alberta’s Secession Movement Gains Momentum
At the community center in Stony Plain, long lines formed as doors opened at lunchtime. Some individuals waited over an hour to sign the petition, reflecting strong local interest in Alberta’s potential independence.
Voices for Independence
Many participants expressed feelings of frustration regarding Alberta’s financial contributions to other provinces while feeling neglected by the federal government. Roger Cyr, a local resident, articulated this sentiment, stating that he is weary of subsidizing other regions without receiving proper recognition.
Moreover, Shirley and Dave Howard echoed similar thoughts, believing that Alberta would achieve greater financial stability if it were to become independent from Canada.
Organizational Efforts and Goals
The Stony Plain event was organized by a group called Stay Free Alberta, which aims to gather signatures for a referendum on separation. This campaign has been officially sanctioned by the chief electoral officer of Alberta.
Campaign Timeline and Requirements
- The groups have been actively collecting signatures for three weeks.
- They aim to reach a total of 178,000 signatures by May.
- Of these, at least 10% must be from eligible voters who participated in the last provincial election.
Once the signatures are collected, they will undergo validation by the province’s Chief Electoral Officer. Only after validation can the petition be presented to the Alberta government for consideration.
The growing movement for secession reflects a significant shift in Alberta’s political landscape, illustrating the residents’ increasing discontent with their relationship with Canada.
