‘We’ve already won.’ Alberta separatist leader vows to continue independence movement regardless of outcome of key vote on Monday

Alberta’s leading separatist, Keith Wilson, confidently declared on Saturday that the independence movement would continue, even if voters reject a proposal on Monday to initiate the process of leaving Canada. Speaking at a rally outside the Alberta legislature, Wilson insisted that the movement had already achieved victory by placing separation on the political agenda.

The vote on Monday is not a direct referendum on independence, but will determine whether Alberta will remain a province or start the legal process toward a future referendum on separation. Wilson warned against conceding defeat, stating that the movement has convinced hundreds of thousands of Albertans that independence is legally feasible and sparked a broader debate over the province’s grievances against Ottawa.

The separatist movement has drawn activists who opposed COVID-19 vaccine mandates and supported the 2022 trucker convoy that disrupted Ottawa and Canada’s borders. Wilson, a lead lawyer for the protest, invited American UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland to the stage, praising the trucker convoy as an example of Americans standing up for their rights.

Wilson rejected former premier Jason Kenney’s suggestion that separatists should give up if they fail to secure a majority on Monday, emphasizing their commitment to building on their achievements and relationships. Prime Minister Mark Carney has campaigned against separation, warning that the process could lead to years of economic uncertainty due to potential trade wars and threats to make Canada the 51st U.S. state.

Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith called for the referendum despite opposing independence herself and cited a poll showing only 22% support for separation. Young independence supporter Madison Holmes, 23, from Calgary, said the pandemic and vaccine mandates motivated her to become politically active. Also on Saturday, a major fire erupted at a military base in Alberta, affecting many military personnel.