With just 60 days left, Albertans are gearing up to respond to 10 pivotal questions that could significantly impact the province’s future. While nine questions focus on immigration and constitutional reform, it’s the 10th question that is generating increasing interest – whether Albertans wish to remain in Canada or proceed with a second binding referendum on separation.
As the countdown continues, both sides are racing against time to sway public opinion. Longstanding pollster Janet Brown notes that support for separatism has consistently lagged behind support for staying in Canada over the past eight years. With a minimal percentage of undecided voters remaining, Brown emphasizes that mobilization, rather than persuasion, will be key in the referendum campaign.
Various groups are actively vying for attention and support from the public on both sides of the debate. Let’s take a closer look at the strategies of four key players as they navigate the upcoming phase of the campaign.
Let Alberta Decide, a pro-independence group led by Keith Wilson, is preparing for a major rally at the Alberta Legislature on October 17, just two days before the referendum. The group, which has garnered significant donations, plans to focus its efforts on mobilizing support in both urban and rural areas through targeted messaging and traditional get-out-the-vote initiatives.
Forever Canadian, spearheaded by organizer Thomas Lukaszuk, has teams deployed across every municipality in Alberta and is gearing up for large rallies and continued distribution of campaign materials. With a strong emphasis on promoting Canadian unity, the group aims to leverage its volunteer base to maintain its current campaign strategy.
The Alberta Prosperity Project/Stay Free Alberta, responsible for the citizen initiative petition advocating for a vote on Alberta’s separation, sees October as the culmination of years of dedicated work. CEO Mitch Sylvestre stresses the importance of maximizing advance polls and mobilizing supporters through town hall meetings and other engagement activities.
Alberta’s Voice, led by Stephen Carter, is focused on raising funds for an advertising campaign to target undecided voters and reinforce support for staying in Canada. The group is also planning a campaign college to train volunteers on voter mobilization tactics and aims to establish a robust outreach system to ensure high voter turnout on referendum day.
As the referendum approaches, residents are reminded that they can also opt for mail-in voting, with a deadline of October 16 for special ballot packages to be received. The stage is set for a critical period in Alberta’s history, with the outcome hinging on the engagement and choices of its residents.
