As Alberta awaits a court ruling on whether a provincial referendum on separation can proceed, a grassroots movement is stepping up efforts to keep the province united with the rest of the country.
The Forever Canadian initiative, launched earlier this month by former Progressive Conservative deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk, is canvassing across Calgary this week after Elections Alberta approved its petition under the Citizens Initiative Act. The question is direct: “Do you agree that Alberta should remain in Canada?”
To move forward, organizers must collect 293,967 valid signatures — 10 per cent of Alberta’s registered voters — within 90 days. If they succeed, the petition will go to the legislature with the goal of adopting an anti-separatism policy without requiring a province-wide vote.
The campaign is seen as a direct counter to the Alberta Prosperity Project, whose application for a separation referendum is now before the courts. Premier Danielle Smith and Justice Minister Mickey Amery have urged Elections Alberta to approve that pro-separation petition, a stance Lukaszuk says has only strengthened his group’s determination.
More than 8,000 volunteers are now engaged in door-to-door canvassing, hosting pop-up events, and setting up signing locations. In Calgary, petition stations are running from August 12 to 17 in spots like Rosemont Community Centre, City Hall plaza, Nose Hill Park, and Prince’s Island.
Lukaszuk says the mission is straightforward: to send a clear message to the Alberta legislature that the province’s future is stronger, more secure, and more prosperous as part of Canada.