Alberta Separatist Leader Vows to Continue Movement Regardless of Vote Outcome
A prominent figure in Alberta's independence movement states their cause has already succeeded by raising the issue's profile, even as a vote looms on whether to initiate separation talks.
One of Alberta’s leading separatists has declared the independence movement will persist even if voters reject a proposal to begin the process of leaving Canada.
Keith Wilson, co-chair of the group Let Alberta Decide, told supporters that the movement has already achieved a victory by making separatism a significant political topic. "Regardless of what happens on Monday, we’ve already won," Wilson stated at a rally. The vote on Monday is not a direct referendum on independence but on whether Albertans wish to initiate the legal steps toward a future referendum on separation.
Wilson appeared to be preparing supporters for a potential defeat but affirmed the movement's resilience. He asserted that the cause has persuaded hundreds of thousands of Albertans of the legal feasibility of independence and has prompted a wider discussion about provincial grievances with the federal government in Ottawa.
The independence movement has attracted individuals who opposed COVID-19 vaccine mandates and supported the 2022 trucker convoy that disrupted Ottawa and blocked some border crossings. Wilson, who was a lead lawyer for the protest, noted that the pandemic amplified a separatist sentiment long fueled by Western alienation – a resentment toward Ottawa concerning federal power and energy policies. Some supporters have been influenced by conspiracy theories.
During the rally, Wilson also invited American UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland, who praised the Canadian trucker convoy as an inspiration for Americans asserting their rights and freedom of protest.
Wilson rejected the suggestion from former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney that separatists should abandon their efforts if they do not secure a majority in Monday's vote. "That’s not happening," Wilson said. "We are going to build on our successes, build on our relationships."
Prime Minister Mark Carney has actively campaigned against separation, warning that initiating the process could lead to prolonged economic uncertainty, particularly in light of trade disputes and past remarks by then-U.S. President Donald Trump about potentially making Canada the 51st state, which raised concerns about Canadian sovereignty.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called for the referendum despite her own opposition to independence. A recent poll cited by Smith indicated that only 22% of Albertans support separation.
Madison Holmes, a 23-year-old independence supporter from Calgary, shared that the pandemic and vaccine mandates drew her into politics and fueled her opposition to Prime Minister Carney and his predecessor, Justin Trudeau. "COVID is what got me out of my shell. I was not political," Holmes said.
Separately, a significant fire broke out at a military base in Alberta on Saturday. Premier Smith stated the fire impacted many military personnel, and Prime Minister Carney described it as a "serious incident," though further details were not immediately available.