As Alberta awaits a court decision on a proposed referendum over potential separation from Canada, a grassroots campaign to keep the province within the country is ramping up efforts in Calgary this week. The Forever Canadian initiative, launched earlier this month by former Progressive Conservative deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk, is seeking signatures under Alberta’s Citizens Initiative Act after receiving approval from Elections Alberta.
The petition poses a straightforward question: “Do you agree that Alberta should remain in Canada?” To move forward, organizers must gather 293,967 signatures — representing 10 per cent of all registered provincial voters — within 90 days. If successful, the petition will be presented to the legislature with the aim of adopting a formal anti-separatism policy without requiring a province-wide referendum.
The movement is widely seen as a counter to the Alberta Prosperity Project, which earlier this year applied for a vote on whether Alberta should secede from Canada. That application is now before the courts, after Alberta’s chief electoral officer referred it to a judge to determine whether it violates the Constitution. Premier Danielle Smith and Justice Minister Mickey Amery have urged Elections Alberta to drop the court reference and approve the pro-separation petition — a move Lukaszuk says has only strengthened his group’s resolve.
According to Lukaszuk, more than 8,000 volunteers are now canvassing across the province, going door-to-door, hosting pop-up events, and setting up collection points. In Calgary, residents will have multiple chances to sign the petition at scheduled locations this week:
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Aug. 12 — Rosemont Community Centre, Confederation Park, 4–6 p.m.
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Aug. 13–15 — City Hall plaza steps, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
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Aug. 16 — Nose Hill Park (Shaganappi entrance), 10 a.m.–12 p.m.; Confederation Park North, Carburn Park, and Prince’s Island, all from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
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Aug. 17 — Confluence Park (Riverwalk near bison structure), 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Lukaszuk says the goal is clear — to show the Alberta legislature that the province’s future is stronger as part of Canada.
