Hundreds Rally to Support Alberta’s Independence Referendum
Hundreds of residents in Alberta have come together to support a referendum aimed at the province’s independence from Canada. This gathering took place in Stony Plain, near Edmonton, where people braved frigid conditions to sign a petition that could lead to a vote on this significant issue.
Public Support for Alberta’s Independence Referendum
The event in Stony Plain attracted long lines, with many attendees waiting over an hour to add their names to the petition. Organizer Stay Free Alberta has been active for three weeks, arranging similar signature-gathering events across the province.
Reasons for Signing the Petition
Participants expressed various motivations for their involvement. Roger Cyr mentioned feeling frustrated with Alberta’s financial contributions to other provinces while receiving little support in return from the federal government.
- Many believe Alberta would fare better financially if it were independent.
- Some participants feel that the province is in an “abusive relationship” with the rest of Canada.
Petition Goals and Requirements
Organizers aim to collect 178,000 signatures by May. Of these, at least 10% must come from eligible voters from the most recent provincial election. Once collected, the signatures will undergo validation by the province’s Chief Electoral Officer before being submitted to the Alberta government.
This movement reflects a growing sentiment among Albertans regarding their future and autonomy. As the campaign continues, further developments are anticipated. Stay informed about ongoing updates related to Alberta’s independence referendum through El-Balad.