In a town in central Alberta, Kathy Bradshaw says she’s planning to choose her words carefully as the vote gets closer.
“It’s a little tense,” says Bradshaw, a 64-year-old resident of Sylvan Lake who has already cast her vote to stay in Canada.
Albertans will be voting in person in just nine days on 10 questions. The most talked-about question will ask if they want to remain in Canada or have another binding referendum on leaving Confederation.
The discussion has turned personal and sometimes harsh in certain workplaces and among families and friends.
Bradshaw mentions that there’s been increased tension at her office lately.
“I love my work and I love my colleagues, so I can feel their discomfort when it comes up,” she shares.
Some of her co-workers, whom she has known for decades, plan to vote for separation.
“People tell me, and this is what I find the most absurd, ‘I don’t want to separate, but I want to send Ottawa a message,’” she says.
“And I keep saying to them, ‘If they know the gun is fake, why do you think the teller is going to hand over the money?’”
In Edmonton, Sheree Zielke, 71, reports feeling similar stress but with her neighbor.
Zielke expresses her desire for an independent Alberta, which contrasts with the family next door that she’s lived beside for years.
“(We) don’t talk as much; let’s put it that way. There are no arguments.”
Batchelor states that the discussions have been overwhelming.
“I’m feeling more dysregulated just because of the extra stress and having to navigate those conversations carefully at (my work) and even within my home.”
Since Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called for the vote back in May, disagreements have also arisen across smaller towns.
A rodeo parade in Sundre, northwest of Calgary was cancelled in June due to threats after organizers rejected a float decorated with Alberta flags that could be seen as a political statement.
A pro-separation billboard in Taber also drew attention during that same month.
Cory Morgan, who paid for the billboard supporting separation, refused to take it down despite an order from local authorities claiming it was causing public disturbance.
Smith has stated she supports Alberta remaining part of Canada and intends to vote accordingly in the referendum. She has also mentioned that hundreds of thousands have signed petitions both supporting and opposing separation, indicating it’s time to settle this issue once and for all.
Critics point out long-standing polls showing significant support for Alberta staying within Canada while accusing Smith of calling this vote just to satisfy hardliners among separatists in her party.
Lara Descartes, a professor of family studies at Western University in Ontario offers some advice for Albertans worried about rising tensions regarding the separation debate with loved ones as voting day approaches.
“Lower your expectations,” she advises. “Don’t expect it to be perfect.”
“People are their own individuals with their own histories and beliefs. Some may never align with ours; that’s just part of life,” she adds.
“Accepting this can help us manage our emotional responses.”
The Archbishop of Edmonton Stephen Hero is one among five Catholic bishops who recently wrote a letter urging parishioners not only to vote but also consider how their choices might affect vulnerable populations.
The letter from October 1 referenced questions surrounding immigration policies including whether governments should impose more restrictions or financial limits on newcomers.
The letter acknowledged that Catholics might arrive at different conclusions about what serves common good but emphasized “whatever happens; our responsibilities toward one another will persist.”..........
In a recent interview , Hero recognized that , while opinions differ , there’s no need for hostility within families , workplaces , or even churches.
Therefore , he encouraged respect towards each other’s decisions while actively listening.
He said : ” To love one another , without letting these differences divide us , no matter what transpires.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first Oct. 10 , 2026.
– With files from Lisa Johnson
Fakiha Baig , The Canadian Press
Source link
