‘We’re Done’: Alberta Independence Supporters Hold Rally at Provincial Legislature

EDMONTON—As federal and provincial leaders held major rallies this week to shore up the remain vote ahead of Alberta’s referendum, independence-supporters held their own event outside the provincial legislature in Edmonton on Oct. 17 to gather support for their cause.

“For a long time, I believed we could find a way to make the Confederation work better for Alberta, a sovereign Alberta within Canada. I wanted that to happen, but as the years passed, I became increasingly frustrated that so many of the same questions were still unresolved,” organizer Tanya Clemens told the crowd.

“Then I became involved in the Alberta sovereignty movement, and for the first time, I could see a different path forward, and my frustration turned to hope,” she added.

The gathering came in the wake of a series of rallies by Prime Minister Mark Carney urging Albertans to vote against separation on Oct. 19, as well as speeches by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith calling on Albertans not to give up on a better path forward within confederation.

‘We Are Going to Build on Our Success’

Rally-goers held Alberta flags and banners with different messages, including “We’re Done,” and “Independent Alberta,” as speakers outlined why leaving Canada will lead to a better future for the province.

The rally, organized by Let Alberta Decide, also featured a surprise appearance by American UFC fighter Sean Strickland, among others.

Strickland said he is a strong supporter of Alberta independence.

“We follow your politics. The Freedom Convoy was an inspiration to every American,” Strickland told the crowd.

“You don’t get a voice in this government. You get stepped on. We always like to hope. We like to hope for change. ‘Maybe next year they’ll listen to us. Maybe next year, if we scream loud enough, we will have a voice.’ You guys don’t have to hope anymore. You have a chance to change you to get your freedom back,” he said.

Lawyer and independence organizer Keith Wilson said that even if the Oct. 19 referendum results in a loss for those who wish to hold a binding referendum on separation, their cause has “already won” by showing that Alberta already has a legal path to sovereignty.

“We are going to build on our successes, build on our relationships,” Wilson said.

Rally attendee Chris Anderson of Calgary echoed this, saying that even a modest result in the referendum will motivate supporters.

“Even if we only get 20 percent, 20 percent is a pretty significant political movement,” he said, adding that he’s concerned at the direction the federal Liberal government is taking the country in.

“The primary thing we have to worry about is what our relationship [is] going to be in North America. I think that’s far more important than what our relationship with Europe or China is. We have to have a good solid relationship here in North America above all,” Anderson said.

Among those attending the Oct. 17 rally was Dave Moore of Red Deer, who said his problem with being in Canada goes beyond economics.

“The biggest problem is the entire federal government,” he said, adding that he doesn’t support any federal political parties.

Confrontation

Richard and Chantal Landry of Raven, Alta., said they became involved in the Alberta independence movement after the Freedom Convoy and the results of the last federal election that saw the Liberals winning again, this time under Carney.

“The next day, actually, when APP [Alberta Prosperity Project] put it out there, I submitted my name and said I’d support it right away,” Richard Landry said.

A man who appeared to be opposed to separation accosted Richard and Chantal Landry, using profane language against them and calling them “traitors,” and saying that they should “go home” repeatedly.

Various participants at the rally complained of abusive and aggressive behaviour against them, with one speaker at the event stating that charges are being brought against an individual identified as an alleged frequent vandal of pro-independence signs.

Referendum

The Oct. 19 referendum includes a non-binding question on whether Alberta should remain in Canada or start the process to hold a legally binding vote on separation.

The referendum also has nine questions on giving Alberta more authority in areas where its laws overlap with the federal government, including on immigration, judicial appointments, and provision of public services, as well as a question on abolishing the Senate.

Premier Smith has called on Albertans to vote to stay in Canada and vote “Yes” on the other nine questions, while Carney has urged voters to choose to stay in Canada and vote “No” on the nine questions.