A former deputy premier of Alberta has declared that the overwhelming success of a petition he spearheaded to affirm the province’s commitment to staying within Canada should serve as a clear message to Premier Danielle Smith to quash any notions of separatism.
Thomas Lukaszuk revealed that his petition has garnered over 456,000 signatures, surpassing the necessary 294,000 signatures to potentially trigger a referendum. Standing before a wall of 61 stacked boxes filled with signed petitions during a news conference on Tuesday, Lukaszuk emphasized that “456,365 Albertans have unequivocally expressed their opposition to separatism.”
Lukaszuk urged Premier Smith and Alberta MLAs to address the issue and put an end to separatist sentiments once and for all, emphasizing that the petition has resonated strongly with the populace. He highlighted that Albertans are proud Canadians and not outliers in their allegiance to the country.
Responding to inquiries, a press secretary for Alberta’s justice minister, Heather Jenkins, refrained from confirming whether the government intends to call a referendum, stating that they will await the completion of the process, including signature verification by Elections Alberta.
The “Forever Canadian” petition was initiated in response to separatist movements advocating for an Alberta independence referendum. Lukaszuk’s petition simply asks if Alberta should remain part of Canada, contrasting with a proposed question by the Alberta Prosperity Project seeking the province’s sovereignty.
Expressing hope that Premier Smith will avoid a referendum, Lukaszuk emphasized that the petition aimed to prevent further division among Albertans. He recounted the extensive efforts made by him and volunteers, traveling thousands of kilometers over three months to collect signatures from urban and rural areas, noting the emotional stories shared during the process.
Elections Alberta confirmed the receipt of the signatures and outlined the verification process, which includes confirming the authenticity of signatures and canvasser witnessing. Lukaszuk hailed the petition as a historic success, acknowledging the unprecedented task facing the elections commissioner in handling the sheer volume of signatures.
Looking ahead, Lukaszuk expressed relief at the conclusion of the process and his eagerness to resume his normal routine. As he anticipated returning to his daily life, he humorously mentioned pending chores like raking leaves and preparing for Halloween, while acknowledging the profound impact of the petition.