With just under a month left until Albertans vote on separatism, flags have become a focal point for supporters and opponents alike – symbolizing voting intentions and occasionally causing friction.
On October 19, voters in Alberta will decide whether the province should remain part of Canada or if there should be a future vote on independence.
The Canadian flag has been prominently displayed by those who wish to keep the country united, while the Alberta flag appears to represent the push for an independent Alberta.
Voting preferences
Louise Lyons proudly flies a provincial flag outside her home in central Edmonton.
Having lived in the area for nearly 30 years, she has always had a flag waving out front for about half that time.
A Canadian flag was displayed until a couple of years ago when Lyons decided to switch it out for an Alberta flag, making that choice before any referendum plans were announced.
Louise Lyons has been flying an Alberta flag outside her house in central Edmonton for the last couple of years. She flew a Canadian flag previously. (Samuel Martin/CBC)
“We love Alberta. We’re both born, bred Albertans and this is a fabulous place,” she shared with .
Around a month ago, however, Lyons had a realization.
“I’m thinking, ‘Oh no, they’re going to see an Alberta flag and they might do something right?’” she expressed, referencing those who oppose independence for Alberta.
Lyons supports separatism.
“I hate to say it, especially over the last 11 years with the Liberals, with Trudeau and Carney; I really feel that our country is not what it used to be,” she remarked.
Once proud of the maple leaf, she now feels disillusioned by it.
“I am very concerned about where Canada is going right now,” she said.
Northern of Lyons’ neighborhood, Keri Goad purchased a Canadian flag more than a year ago to display outside her home.
“I’m a proud Canadian above and beyond what province I live in,” she stated during an interview.
A supporter of keeping Alberta within Canada, Goad identifies strongly with the red-and-white colors of the national symbol.
“To me, the Canada flag brings a sense of peace,” she noted.Keri Goad bought her Canadian flag more than a year ago to fly outside her Edmonton home. (Samuel Martin/CBC)
Goad expressed her desire to “reclaim” the Canadian flag after it became associated with protesters during the 2022 trucker convoy events. p>
“After the convoy you’re like ‘oh are they one of those convoy people that are against the Canadian government?’ I had this strong feeling that I wanted to reclaim the Canadian flag for people who were proud to be Canadian – not just those wanting to fight against federal authorities,” she said. p>A protester walks through an encampment near Parliament Hill in Ottawa shortly before being arrested on Feb. 17, 2022. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)
Goad admits feeling uneasy when encountering an Alberta flag or emblem these days.
“They have every right to do that. But it does make me wary of that person,” she added.
Tensions surrounding flags
Despite differing viewpoints on this matter, both women agree that everyone should have freedom of expression.
Lyons described all this fervor around flags as “ridiculous.”
“If you’re proud Albertan you can fly your own flag without facing judgment,” she mentioned.
When asked about feelings regarding some people’s offense at seeing the Alberta flag associated with separatism; Lyons replied yes.
“They’re finding things to rally around; trying hard to turn it into something negative,” she noted.
For Goad though; while opposing messages supporting independence from Canada doesn’t sit well with her-she tries respecting others’ views too. p>
“I believe everybody’s entitled their beliefs; opinions too and I’m allowed take pride being Canadian whether it’s through flags lawn signs or stickers! That shouldn’t ever be seen negatively,” Goad affirmed. p>
Cultural symbols hold power
John Bertrand-a vexillologist studying flags-believes these banners serve fast identification purposes among various groups including sports teams & political factions alike. p >John Bertrand is a vexillologist with North American Vexillological Association. (Christian Sylvain/Radio-Canada)
“They’re ultimate icons tribalism! At first glance? They tell us who we are,”Bertrand shared during his interview.
Bertrand explained how unsurprising its use within separatist debate truly seems too.
( It shows what group individuals belong too + aspirations held by them!) We see typical displays here happening across ALBERTA
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( ) Flags = strongest cultural symbols ever conceived sometimes even embroiled controversies. The object itself remains neutral.. Simply fabric marked w/ symbolism! Different meanings arise based on perspectives brought forward– creating controversy not vice versa!
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Selling Out Fast!
At Discount Flags shop manager Isaac Pratt reports heightened sales activity along side certain brands despite neutrality aims maintained amongst businesses themselves!
b > i >A Canadian Flag & An Alberta Flag Are Displayed On A Countertop At Discount Flags In Edmonton.(Julia Wong/CBC)
The sentiment echoes residential buyers as well noting worries surrounding association arising when displaying either variant up close proximity towards opposing camps may raise eyebrows causing fear amongst residents wishing stick middle ground instead switching back forth alternately till reaching equilibrium status quo amidst uncertainty looming nearby neighborhoods !
Pratt didn’t expect such high interest levels relating specifically regarding these types items currently trending throughout community spaces observed thus far leading him conclude: “Everyone’s quite passionate lately!” he exclaimed happily speaking warmly towards clientele base upon arrival.
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