Alberta independence rally draws thousands to Calgary Stampede Park

More than 3,000 people attended a Calgary rally calling for an Alberta independence referendum, and organizers are collecting signatures ahead of a May 2 deadline.

Thousands gathered at the Big Four Roadhouse in Calgary's Stampede Park for an Alberta independence rally on Monday night. Security officials reported more than 3,000 people in the venue and over 1,000 watching a livestream. The event featured speakers associated with the Alberta Prosperity Project and included a petition drive seeking a referendum on whether Alberta should pursue separation. Organizers and some attendees cited grievances with federal policies including equalization payments, firearms bans and immigration levels. Key details: - Security officials said more than 3,000 people attended in person and over 1,000 watched via livestream. - The petition, advanced by Alberta Prosperity Project CEO Mitch Sylvestre, calls for a referendum on Alberta separation and is collecting signatures across the province. The petition needs close to 178,000 signatures by May 2 to succeed. - Speakers at the rally listed complaints with federal government policy as motivations for the initiative, including equalization payments, gun bans and recent immigration rates. - Opponents were also present at the event and some attendees expressed a desire for Alberta to remain part of Canada. The "Forever Canadian" petition, a separate effort to affirm staying in Canada, previously received more than 400,000 verified signatures according to Elections Alberta. - Signing events for the separation petition have been held across Alberta and more events were planned in Calgary and smaller communities. Summary: The rally highlighted both active support for a referendum on Alberta separation and visible opposition from those who want the province to remain in Canada. Organizers are continuing a provincewide signature drive ahead of the May 2 deadline, and multiple signing events are planned. The outcome of the petition effort is undetermined at this time.