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Calgary petition draws hundreds urging vote on Alberta leaving Canada
Summary
Hundreds queued in Calgary to sign a Stay Free Alberta petition that organizers say aims for almost 178,000 signatures by May to prompt a referendum on Alberta leaving Canada, while opposition NDP leaders criticized the premier's comments.
Content
People gathered at the Big Four Building on Calgary's Stampede grounds Monday to add their names to a citizen petition seeking a referendum on Alberta leaving Canada. The drive is organized by Stay Free Alberta and has made stops in several communities in recent weeks. Organizers say they need almost 178,000 signatures by May to force the province to consider a referendum. The event prompted public responses from opposition and governing party figures.
Key facts:
- Hundreds lined up in Calgary to sign the Stay Free Alberta petition at the Big Four Building.
- Organizers say they are seeking nearly 178,000 signatures by May to prompt provincial consideration of a referendum on independence.
- Some supporters at the event described separation as a response to federal policies they see as harmful, and a few spoke about possible ties with the United States; Stay Free Alberta's leadership said the group's goal is independence, not joining the U.S.
- Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi criticized the premier's statements and urged a clearer rejection of separatism, while a United Conservative caucus spokesperson said the party supports a strong and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada.
- Recent comments from U.S. officials were noted in coverage, including a U.S. Treasury official calling Alberta a "natural partner" for the United States.
Summary:
The petition campaign has produced visible turnout in Calgary and aims to reach a signature threshold by May that organizers say would trigger provincial consideration of a referendum on leaving Canada. Political debate has continued in public statements from both the opposition and the governing party, and the next key milestone is whether organizers meet their signature target.
