The federal Conservative party has initiated a drive to involve their supporters and urge them to vote for maintaining Alberta’s status within Canada in the imminent referendum. Scheduled for October 19, Albertans will decide whether to retain their provincial status or initiate the formal process for a binding referendum on secession.
During a speech in Calgary earlier this year, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre emphasized the importance of unity in Alberta and contended that separatist sentiments are not directed towards Canada but rather towards the Liberal government. Poilievre stressed the need for different government policies in Ottawa rather than pursuing a separate nation for Alberta.
Dane Lloyd, an MP from the Edmonton area, has been appointed as the lead for the campaign supporting Alberta’s continued association with Canada. Lloyd emphasized that the campaign aims to engage conservative Albertans by acknowledging the need for change while affirming that the issue lies with government policies, not with the country itself.
Despite recent actions by the Liberal government, including canceling the consumer carbon price and engaging in resource development agreements, Lloyd highlighted a prevailing sentiment among Albertans of being unheard and their values not being respected by the federal government. He noted that while individuals he has spoken with still consider themselves patriotic Canadians, they are discontented with the historical treatment of the province by federal administrations, except during the tenure of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Conservatives.
In response to the referendum, the government has appointed Morgan Breitkreutz as a senior adviser on Alberta to oversee the federal response. Polls indicate a strong desire among Albertans to remain part of Canada, with proponents of starting the referendum process asserting that a yes vote could provide leverage in negotiations with Ottawa.
The Conservative party has unveiled a campaign website and social media statement to bolster their message. Lloyd explained that the campaign was launched ahead of the vote due to the necessity of engaging voters, particularly the conservative demographic, to ensure a strong turnout. Elections Alberta anticipates high participation, with a record number of requests for mail-in ballots suggesting a potential voter turnout of 85 percent.
The grassroots campaign, compliant with Elections Alberta regulations, offers information on voting procedures, volunteering opportunities, and prominently features donation options on its website.