‘It’s so emotional’: Fear and unity on Alberta’s referendum campaign trail

Edmonton - Alberta's summer of unrest regarding its role in Confederation is moving towards a final phase of rallies, lawn sign rivalry, and alarming warnings of doom and demise. This summer has seen the first annual payment, billed at $205.00 plus GST for one year, which will automatically renew at $233.00 plus GST every 52 weeks.

The controversy surrounding the referendum has prompted both supportive and oppositional displays, with red and white lawn signs urging Albertans to vote to remain in Canada and blue signs advocating for Alberta to separate. Keith Wilson, co-leader of the pro-separatist Let Alberta Decide campaign, expressed concern over homeowners fearing retaliation such as keyed cars.

His team has intensified their digital campaign and placed large signs along roads to prevent targeted abuse. There have been reports of signs being stolen or vandalized across the province. Cory Morgan, from the Pathway to Independence separatist group, has faced threats and obscenities, but requests for lawn signs have increased as more people become aware of the vote.

Thomas Lukaszuk, a former deputy premier of Alberta's defunct Progressive Conservatives, has been using a pink and red RV called the Unity Bus to collect signatures for a vote to remain in Canada. He has witnessed fear and patriotism among the people, with many expressing concern about the consequences of the referendum. Separatism has a long history in Alberta, dating back to the 1980s when the national energy program under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau led to economic hardships for Alberta.

The movement has recently gained traction after Premier Danielle Smith took control of the United Conservative Party and addressed the concerns of those wishing to separate from Canada. A referendum question has been put to the vote, asking whether Alberta should remain in Canada or proceed with a second binding referendum on whether it is time to formally leave the country.