Rallies Held For and Against Alberta Separation as Referendum Looms

Rallies supporting and opposing Alberta’s separation occurred in Edmonton and Calgary on August 29th, preceding a provincial referendum on initiating a binding separation vote. A pro-separation rally, organized by the Alberta Prosperity Project, took place at the Alberta Legislature Building in Edmonton on the anniversary of Alberta’s formation. Lead organizer Mitch Sylvestre voiced opposition to perceived actions by Ottawa.

• Rallies for and against Alberta separation were held on August 29th in Edmonton and Calgary.
• These events precede a referendum on whether to begin the legal process for a binding separation vote.
• A pro-separation rally organized by the Alberta Prosperity Project occurred at the Alberta Legislature Building in Edmonton.
• The rally coincided with the anniversary of Alberta’s formation on September 1, 1905.
• Mitch Sylvestre, a lead organizer, expressed that “Ottawa is putting its elbows up to protect themselves from us,” which they consider “backwards.”