The federal Conservative party has initiated a drive to mobilize their supporters and urge them to vote in favor of retaining Alberta’s status within Canada in the upcoming referendum. Scheduled for October 19, Albertans will decide whether to maintain their provincial status or proceed with a binding referendum on separation.
During a speech in Calgary earlier this summer, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre emphasized the importance of unity among Albertans, stating that the real issue lies not with Canada but with the current Liberal government. Poilievre stressed the need for different government policies in Ottawa rather than a separate nation for Alberta.
Dane Lloyd, an MP from the Edmonton area, has been appointed to lead the campaign advocating to remain within Canada. Lloyd emphasized that the message being conveyed to conservative Albertans acknowledges the need for change from the status quo while reaffirming that the core issue does not lie with Canada itself.
Despite recent actions by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government, including canceling the consumer carbon price and engaging in agreements with Alberta on resource development, Lloyd highlighted a prevailing sentiment among Albertans of feeling unheard and undervalued by federal authorities.
Lloyd further noted that while individuals he has engaged with still consider themselves patriotic Canadians, there is a deep-rooted frustration with historical treatment by federal governments, with the exception of the previous Conservative administration under Stephen Harper.
In the midst of escalating national pride due to the trade dispute with the United States, Lloyd emphasized the necessity of tapping into that patriotism to bolster unity and engagement among Albertans.
To address the referendum, the government appointed a senior advisor, Morgan Breitkreutz, earlier this year to coordinate the federal response. Recent polls indicate a strong desire among Albertans to remain part of Canada, with various groups advocating for leveraging a “yes” vote to negotiate with Ottawa.
Separatism tendencies are predominantly observed among right-wing factions, with significant support for separation coming from backers of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party. Poilievre reiterated the Conservative party’s commitment to campaigning for Canadian unity in Alberta.
The Conservatives for Canada group has launched a website and initiated a social media campaign ahead of the referendum. When questioned about the timing of the campaign launch, Lloyd stressed the importance of engaging voters, particularly the 1.4 million Albertans who supported the Conservative party in the last election.
Elections Alberta anticipates a high voter turnout, with a record-breaking 85% expected based on polling data and the 290,000 requests for mail-in ballots received thus far. Lloyd assured that the grassroots campaign adheres to Elections Alberta’s regulations, with the campaign website featuring donation options and providing details on voting procedures and volunteer opportunities.