Hundreds flock to Calgary to sign petition urging Alberta’s vote on leaving Canada, amid heated debates over U.S. ties and federal tensions.
Calgary Turns Out in Force for Alberta Exit Petition
CALGARY — Hundreds of Albertans queued up at the Stampede grounds today, eager to add their names to a petition calling for a referendum on whether Alberta should leave Canada.
The campaign, spearheaded by a group called Stay Free Alberta, has secured approval from Elections Alberta to gather signatures across the province. Organizers need nearly 178,000 names by May to push the vote forward, and similar scenes have appeared at recent petition stops elsewhere.
Mixed Views on Alberta-U.S. Relations
The petition movement has stirred conversations about Alberta’s ties not only with Ottawa but also with the United States. Some supporters openly say they would prefer Alberta to join its southern neighbor, while others are focused solely on challenging what they describe as a strained relationship with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s federal government.
A Growing Provincial Debate
Political analysts note that the push for separation reflects broader frustrations among Albertans over federal policies and resource management. While the movement has gained momentum, it remains controversial, with opponents arguing that leaving Canada could create economic and legal complications.
Despite the debate, organizers are optimistic. Long lines at petition stations demonstrate a level of public engagement rarely seen in provincial politics, suggesting that this issue is far from fading quietly into the background.
Next Steps for the Petition
Stay Free Alberta will continue its signature drive until the May deadline, aiming to rally enough support to trigger a provincial vote. For now, Albertans are making their voices heard—one signature at a time.
