The federal Conservative Party has initiated a drive to actively involve their backers and urge them to vote in favor of remaining part of Canada in the upcoming Alberta referendum scheduled for October 19. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, during a speech in Calgary, emphasized the importance of unity among Albertans and highlighted that the issue lies not with Canada but with the current Liberal government.
Dane Lloyd, an MP from Edmonton, has been appointed as the lead for the campaign advocating to stay in Canada. He emphasized that while acknowledging the need for change, the fundamental concern is not with the country itself. Many Albertans feel neglected and unheard by the federal government, leading to a sense of frustration and lack of respect for their values.
Despite recent actions by the Liberal government in addressing certain Alberta concerns, including canceling the consumer carbon price and cooperating on resource development, there is a prevailing sentiment among Albertans that their voices have been disregarded by successive federal administrations. Lloyd noted that while citizens still identify as patriotic Canadians, they are dissatisfied with the historical treatment of the province by federal authorities, except during the tenure of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
As the country experiences a surge in national pride amid trade tensions with the United States, Lloyd stressed the importance of engaging this patriotism. In response to the referendum, the government has appointed a senior adviser, Morgan Breitkreutz, to oversee the federal approach to the Alberta referendum.
Polling data indicates that a significant majority of Albertans wish to remain part of Canada. Despite this, certain groups lobbying for the referendum argue that voting in favor would provide leverage in negotiations with Ottawa. Separatism tendencies are predominantly aligned with right-wing ideologies, with notable support coming from backers of Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party.
The Conservative campaign for Canadian unity in Alberta, led by Poilievre, has been actively engaging citizens. The party recently launched a website to further promote their message and encourage voter participation. With high anticipation for voter turnout, Elections Alberta has already received a large number of requests for mail-in ballots, indicating a potential record-breaking 85% turnout. Lloyd emphasized that their grassroots campaign adheres to the regulations set by Elections Alberta and provides resources on voting procedures and volunteer opportunities.