Alberta’s Upcoming Vote on Independence from Canada

Alberta separatist leaders Dr. Dennis Modry (left) and Mitch Sylvestre (right) with Premier Danielle Smith (centre) at the UCP fundraising dinner in Bonnyville in May 2025 (source: Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul UCP / Facebook)

Alberta is rushing toward a referendum about whether to separate from Canada.

As I’m writing this, those behind the Stay Free Alberta citizen initiative are moving across the province to gather over 177,732 in-person signatures needed to initiate a province-wide vote asking, “Do you agree that the Province of Alberta should cease to be a part of Canada to become an independent state?”

The signature collection phase wraps up on May 2, 2026, and it’s anticipated that they’ll collect far more signatures than required.

The group spearheading this referendum effort, the Alberta Prosperity Project, has been traveling through rural and small-town Alberta for years holding meetings to advocate for separation and replace the Canada Pension Plan with an Alberta Pension Plan while opposing COVID-19 public health measures.

Feelings of alienation and frustration with Ottawa have long existed in Alberta. Many residents have various grievances-some real, some perceived-against the federal government. However, it’s worth noting that APP’s leadership and many supporters hold some extreme views regarding immigrants and buy into conspiracy theories related to COVID-19, the World Economic Forum, United Nations, World Health Organization, vaccinations, and a supposed communist new world order.

This ongoing campaign has given them ample opportunity to cultivate support throughout the province and prepare for their referendum initiative.

Historically speaking, Alberta separatists have mostly belonged to fringe political parties on the far-right; however recent polls indicate that feelings of separatism now predominantly resonate among United Conservative Party voters. They’ve transitioned from being fringe players to gaining traction within mainstream UCP politics.

During last November’s UCP AGM, candidates backed by separatist groups won most positions in board elections. APP lawyer Jeff Rath received a standing ovation after he criticized Premier Danielle Smith’s growing ties with Prime Minister Mark Carney. The party even honored APP CEO Mitch Sylvestre-the leader of Stay Free Alberta-with its annual Best Fundraiser Award while he serves as President of the UCP constituency association in Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul.

Sylvestre and APP co-founder Dr. Dennis Modry-who briefly sought UCP nomination in Edmonton-Riverview back in 2022-were seen enjoying a laugh with Smith at their fundraising dinner in Bonnyville back in May 2025.

The establishment within UCP blocked efforts for an official debate regarding separatism during their AGM; however Postmedia ist Don Braid notes that party president Rob Smith is now openly considering holding a vote on whether or not to adopt separatism as official party policy.

It remains uncertain who will champion the pro-Canada side if this referendum occurs possibly as soon as fall this year. This uncertainty likely arises because many prominent federalism supporters in Alberta struggle to believe Albertans would actually favor separation or that a referendum will occur at all.

Current polling shows about 28 percent support for leaving Canada which drops down to just 15 percent when people consider potential consequences-but it’s crucial for proud Canadians living here not to take things lightly right now.

In earlier times one could expect an Alberta Premier like Smith would firmly oppose separatism; however she currently leads a party where an activist base is heavily involved with this movement-and she seems reluctant to alienate these supporters.

Smith keeps leaning on proposals labeled “Alberta Next” alongside her well-rehearsed line claiming she supports a “sovereign Alberta within a united Canada.” This approach hasn’t negatively impacted her polling results yet; so far it appears she’s managed keeping both separatists’ backing along with those Albertans who may not fully endorse separation but feel our province isn’t getting fair treatment from Ottawa.

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Over Justin Trudeau’s decade-long term as Prime Minister there seemed little understanding among many politicians located in Ottawa concerning how deeply intertwined Alberta’s oil and gas sector is-not merely economically but also culturally influencing local politics making emotional reactions common when perceived attacks arise against it.

This makes Premier Smith’s memorandum of understanding forged alongside Prime Minister Mark Carney such significant political news since having grown up nearby Edmonton likely gives him better insight into Albertan sentiment compared others working outside our region entirely!

A few strong candidates appear ready step forward leading pro-Canada efforts should we face off against these independence campaigns-and perhaps multiple figures might emerge championing varied angles towards uniting citizens around staying committed under Canadian governance structure rather than splitting apart altogether!NDP leader Naheed Nenshi speaking at North Central Teachers’ Convention held previously inside Edmonton (source: Naheed Nenshi / Facebook)

NDP leader Naheed Nenshi attempted positioning himself resembling Captain Canada by directly labeling Smith as supporting separative ideals outright challenging current UCP MLAs demanding they publicly commit via signing pro-unity pledges-a tactic faced no initial interest thus far even though arguments made by fellow NDP members like Rakhi Pancholi representing Edmonton Whitemud proved compelling!

The former three-term mayor from Calgary holds considerable name recognition throughout much larger regions encompassing entire provinces although partisan divides remain deep-rooted still today! In spite allegations surfacing detailing corruption surrounding ruling provincial government rising numbers signal dissatisfaction regarding local economic direction underway yet opposition parties including NDP haven’t gained ground notably during current surveys released thus far!

Nenshi presented his vision outlining aspirations aiming make them seem approachable appealing especially towards significant portions wanting what remains belonging unto Confederation instead seeking alternatives elsewhere without losing sight overall improving position held amidst existing frameworks governing relations between various entities involved here locally too! 

If anyone can establish meaningful broader alliances beyond established parameters already occupied-as largest caucus ever recorded during history here-it certainly feels unlikely any would reach levels necessary convincing majority effective change.”<img src = "https://ontariochronicle. ca/wp-content/uploads /2022/x60483. png&g=24322383. png">< img src = "images/image-jpeg-target. jpg ">< img src = 'data: image/png; base64, i VBORw0KGgo AAAANSUh EUg AAABAAAAAQCAYAAAAH1L7IAAAACXBIWXMAAB7CAAAewg Fu0HU+AAABTUl EQVR42m Jkw ARE +7//npt/Oo EE/a KGl YAcql Bxi Je FQg NBRUJib RIQBYMm Fe VI20l Gz AEIwg XFx ADs Dkx Zo CMu QQYBGMQwg OAWug AUwe Bo Js Zqz DAh ALTk Ag Ho Bp C/l RCELEAcn ATma Sy Rp GKo CVTo XYh Vht EMMg CQGyqo4j GFQENAIURt Dsgik CYr CCh SAACZDEAQAv JAiz S/g Fg BAAAAABJRU5Erk Jggg==' >console. log(1);

Forever Canadian was endorsed broad coalition bringing together numerous influential leaders spanning across various sectors demonstrating unified commitment showcasing collective resolve based primarily upon feedback gathered directly through outreach initiatives aimed educating constituents concerning mutual benefits arising out alliances formed locally…and Lukaszuk”-former deputy premier representing Progressive Conservative MLA background serving once stood forefront advocating remaining loyal integrity founded firmly aligned principles upheld faithfully honoring trusts established longstanding contracts signed previously…</“` This section contains detailed quotes supporting underlying themes discussed herein addressing broader implications associated engaging successfully mobilizing greater community involvement fostering collaboration manifesting unity ultimately strengthening ties preserving traditions built generations past while shaping futures nonetheless reliant core tenets governing relationships existing presently…it encompasses progress achieved nevertheless reflects spirit evident driving forces fueling aspirations motivated passionate advocates dedicated advancing discussions centered around nurturing connections promoting trust developing shared values ensuring respectful dialogue cultivated effectively regardless differing opinions voiced openly amongst peers exploring opportunities navigate challenges encountered frequently facing variety situations arising daily affect each individual differently depending circumstances experienced personally.” “`. p

Lukaszuk traveled throughout respective communities riding aboard special bus designed spread awareness rallying support assistance rendered garnering petitions adding strength behind efforts collected signatures tally reaching impressive heights exceeding number initially targeted involving hundreds thousands participating actively contributing toward preservation unity shared nationally!”</