Jim Fedor took a day off on October 19 to ensure he could participate in Alberta’s referendum. “I’m excited about it. I’ve never voted in a referendum like this before, so it will be a new experience for me,” Fedor shared at the CBC News pop-up at the Seton library branch in southeast Calgary last week. Planning to vote for Option 1 on the separation issue to keep Alberta in Canada, he also intends to vote against the other nine questions. Fedor emphasized the importance of everyone having a voice, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to vote and make a meaningful impact.
CBC News conducted an engagement activity at the library to gauge the sentiments of Albertans as the referendum campaigns entered their final week. Visitors were invited to share their thoughts on the upcoming vote by jotting them down on Post-It notes. The diverse crowd included parents with children, high school students, and seniors picking up reserved books, creating a lively atmosphere.
While some individuals, like Fedor, were enthusiastic about voting, others were still undecided or expressed frustration about the referendum process. Christine Nelson conveyed disappointment, questioning the necessity of spending taxpayer funds on a vote that may not lead to separation. Charmaine Coutinho echoed similar sentiments, expressing concern about the rise of racism and extremism, advocating for unity within Canada.
Michael Chudleigh shared that he planned to vote consistently but aimed to remain open to differing perspectives. Acknowledging the diversity of opinions surrounding the referendum, he emphasized the importance of understanding and respecting opposing views.
At the library, a pair of friends, both seniors, showcased differing stances on the referendum. While one was pro-unity and emphasized her family’s history of supporting Canada, the other was exploring the idea of separation. The friends humorously avoided discussing the topic deeply to maintain their friendship.
Newcomers to Canada also participated in the engagement activity, affirming their love for the country. David Aldana, a Colombian immigrant with permanent residency, expressed admiration for Canada’s unity and freedom, emphasizing his preference to remain united.
As the referendum date approached, concerns arose about the potential consequences of the vote. Support for independence in Alberta had fluctuated in recent polls, with some individuals fearing unintended outcomes, such as a resurgence of certain political parties post-referendum.
Amidst the varied opinions, Destiny Fox highlighted the importance of open dialogue, recognizing the strong sentiments on both sides of the referendum debate. She emphasized the significance of the referendum in providing a platform for individuals to express their views and hopes for a transparent process.
The library event revealed a predominant sentiment of unity among participants, emphasizing love for Canada and a desire to maintain the country’s cohesion. While differing views existed, the engagement highlighted the diverse perspectives and emotions surrounding the referendum within the community.
