Petition on Alberta’s future in Canada collecting signatures in Calgary this week

Calgarians who think Alberta should remain part of Canada have the opportunity to voice their opinion this week.A citizen initiative petition called Alberta Forever Canada was launched by former Progressive Conservative deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk after it was issued by the chief electoral officer, Gordon McClure, later last month.The question asks: “Do you agree that Alberta should remain in Canada?”Albertans lined up outside City Hall in Calgary on Wednesday around 11 am.“It’s important because I’m a proud Canadian, (and) I love this province, but this province belongs to Canada,” an Albertan waiting in line to sign the petition at City Hall plaza steps told the Western Standard..Hearing to determine legality of Alberta independence question ends; back in court next Thursday.Another person said he came to sign the petition to send a message to Premier Danielle Smith about the economic impact that independence could have on the province.“I want to make sure that we stay a part of Canada,” said a third person.The collection of signatures is taking place at the following places in Calgary:August 12: Rosemont Community Centre, Confederation Park, 4 to 6 pmAugust 13, 14, and 15: City Hall plaza steps, 11 am to 1 pmAugust 16: Nose Hill Park, Shaganappi entrance, 10 am to 12 pm, and Confederation Park North, Carburn Park, and Prince’s Island, 11 am to 3 pmAugust 17: Confluence Park, Riverwalk near bison structure, 11 am to 3 pmIf the petition gets enough public support, it could eventually be brought before the Legislative Assembly in Edmonton. It must gather 293,976 valid signatures to be successful — representing 10% of all eligible voters listed after Alberta’s 2023 Provincial General Election..Alberta’s Justice minister wants Elections Alberta to withdraw a referral to a court to decide legality of referendum question.Under the Citizen Initiative Act, the petition is now open for signature collection and will remain so until October 28.Alberta Forever Canada Petition Counters Independence ReferendumThe Alberta Forever Canada petition counters another citizen initiative question submitted by a citizen named Mitch Sylvestre from the Alberta Prosperity Project. That question is in front of the court, where a second hearing is taking place Thursday in Edmonton.Alberta’s top election official asked the court to decide if a proposed referendum question about independence is allowed under the law. The question asks:“Do you agree that the Province of Alberta shall become a sovereign country and cease to be a province in Canada?”Alberta's top election official sent the proposal to the Court of King’s Bench to decide whether the question breaks any rules in the Constitution Act, 1982, which outlines the basic laws and rights in Canada.Alberta Justice Minister Mickey Amery and Smith have urged Elections Alberta to withdraw the court referral and approve the independence question.Under Alberta’s Citizen Initiative Act, people can suggest new laws or ask for referendums, as long as those ideas follow the Canadian Constitution..Court to determine legality of Alberta independence question

Petition on Alberta’s future in Canada collecting signatures in Calgary this week

Related Stories