As the October 19 referendum in Alberta approaches, the final weekend of campaigning is underway after months of intense efforts including door-knocking, sign-raising, and online debates.
Albertans will have the opportunity to vote on 10 questions, with Question 10 being pivotal as it asks whether voters support remaining in Canada (Option 1) or holding a second binding referendum on separation (Option 2). The other nine questions are centered around immigration and the Constitution.
A significant number of ballots have already been cast through advance polls and special ballots, with hundreds of thousands of voters participating.
Premier Danielle Smith has revealed that she voted for Option 1 and is actively engaging in door-knocking in various communities to encourage voter turnout over the weekend. She emphasized the importance of a high voter turnout to accurately gauge Albertans’ sentiments.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is making appearances at rallies organized by Forever Canadian in Calgary and Edmonton to advocate for unity and participation in the referendum. Carney stressed the significance of people exercising their right to vote to strengthen Canada’s unity.
Smith and Carney are scheduled to attend an event in Red Deer hosted by the Vote to Stay campaign, along with former Alberta premier Ed Stelmach. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is also promoting a united Canada and will be addressing the Canada Strong and Free conference in Calgary alongside Smith and former premier Jason Kenney.
Separatist supporters, led by Keith Wilson and Tanya Clemens under the Let Alberta Decide campaign, will hold an Alberta independence rally outside the legislature to advocate for constitutional change and improved Alberta-Ottawa relations. Prominent separatists like Cory Morgan, Chris Scott, and Lawrence Magee (Berta Proud Dad) are expected to attend.
The Alberta Prosperity Project, spearheaded by Mitch Sylvestre, who initiated a citizen petition drive for a separation vote, will hold an online prayer session on Sunday evening.
The Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) is organizing a province-wide day of protest on Saturday to promote unity, followed by a rally at the legislature on Sunday. Forever Canadian leader Thomas Lukaszuk and NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi are anticipated to speak at the AFL rally.
Saturday marks the final day for advance polling, with polls open on Monday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., potentially extended at some locations to accommodate long lines, as advised by Elections Alberta.
