Alberta Separatists Gear Up for Independence Referendum After Bill 14 Passage

Alberta separatist leaders are preparing to launch a petition drive for an independence referendum following the swift passage of Bill 14 by the United Conservative Party (UCP) government. This new legislation, approved on December 4, 2023, removes the requirement for Elections Alberta to assess the constitutional validity of proposed referendum questions, thereby revitalizing efforts for Alberta to seek independence from Canada.

The previous legal framework had posed a significant challenge for the Alberta Prosperity Project (APP), whose initiative was jeopardized by a court ruling stating that existing laws did not permit a referendum on independence. Bill 14 not only allows the separation movement to proceed but also negates the prior court ruling by asserting that the proposed referendum question had not been properly submitted. This development enables APP to reapply for consideration of their initiative without the previous obstacles.

On December 7, 2023, APP head Mitch Sylvestre and a legal advisor visited Elections Alberta to submit their new application, reflecting a sense of optimism within the organization. Their website celebrated the legislative change, proclaiming, “Bill 14 receives royal assent — Alberta’s sovereignty era begins!”

Critics of the separatist movement, including former deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk, have expressed concern over the government’s actions. Lukaszuk, who previously led a campaign advocating for Alberta to remain part of Canada, accused Premier Danielle Smith of catering to the more extreme elements within her party. He remarked, “Premier is bending over backwards to facilitate this separation referendum.”

The UCP has previously shown support for a united Canada, yet their recent legislative actions have made it easier for separatist initiatives to flourish. Earlier this year, the government reduced the required number of signatures needed to trigger a constitutional referendum from approximately 600,000 to around 177,000. Sylvestre noted that the initial amendments were a significant advantage for the APP, stating, “I think the original big gift was the Citizen’s Initiative Act amendments.”

If the newly submitted APP application meets the reduced criteria, it could be approved by early January 2024. This would mark the beginning of a four-month window for the group to gather signatures, a task they will undertake during Alberta’s harsh winter. Sylvestre reported that around 250,000 individuals have already registered on their website to support the initiative, with 1,900 canvassers ready to engage the public.

In contrast, Lukaszuk’s Forever Canada petition, which aimed to secure support for remaining within Canada, had accumulated over 438,000 signatures, far surpassing the 293,000 required under the previous rules. This reflects a stark contrast in public sentiment towards the two initiatives, as the APP requires signatures from fewer than one in 16 eligible voters, compared to Lukaszuk’s broader appeal.

The APP has also refined its referendum question. The initial wording, “Do you agree that Alberta shall become a sovereign country and cease to be a province in Canada?” has been changed to “Do you agree that the province of Alberta should cease to be part of Canada to become an independent state?” This revision aligns with the language of the Clarity Act, a federal law designed to clarify the conditions under which a province can leave Canada.

While government officials have been cautious in acknowledging the direct implications of their recent legislation on the separatist movement, Justice Minister Mickey Amery emphasized the opportunity for those advocating for independence. “If those seeking independence believe that they have the support for it, this is their chance to prove it,” he stated during the bill’s introduction.

The passage of Bill 14 has implications beyond the separatist movement, as it also affects other initiatives, such as musician Corb Lund’s proposal to force a referendum on banning new coal mining in the Rockies. Lund expressed disappointment over the bill’s impact on his petition, vowing to reapply despite the obstacles.

As the APP prepares for its petition drive and potential referendum, it remains uncertain how the UCP government will address the Forever Canada initiative, which seeks a public vote on remaining in Canada. While Lukaszuk has previously sought a non-constitutional referendum, he has indicated a preference for a legislative vote that would compel UCP members to publicly declare their positions on the divisive issue.

In recent months, internal party dynamics have revealed mixed sentiments regarding separatism within the UCP. Polls suggest that while many UCP supporters may favor the idea of Alberta’s independence, the broader public remains largely opposed. Some UCP insiders, wary of the separatist movement, argue that allowing a public vote may ultimately weaken the cause.

The situation in Alberta draws parallels to historical events in other jurisdictions, particularly regarding the Brexit referendum and Quebec’s sovereignty vote in 1980. In both cases, the outcomes did not extinguish separatist sentiments, raising questions about the long-term impact of any future referendum in Alberta.

As the APP gears up for its campaign, the leadership anticipates a neutral stance from Premier Smith during the petition drive. Sylvestre expressed that the separatist movement should not require government interference, stating, “Let the people fight it out, so to speak. We do not need government weighing in on everything.” Despite the UCP’s legislative changes benefiting the APP, some within the movement believe that the government has already provided ample support for their cause.