The federal Conservative Party has initiated a drive to mobilize their followers and urge them to vote to remain part of Canada in the upcoming Alberta referendum slated for October 19. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre emphasized unity among Albertans in a speech in Calgary, stating that the issue lies with government policies in Ottawa rather than with Canada itself.
Dane Lloyd, an MP from Edmonton, was appointed to lead the campaign advocating to stay in Canada. He highlighted that while changes are needed, the core problem is not with the country but with the lack of representation and respect for values from the federal government experienced by Albertans.
Despite recent positive actions by the Liberal government, including canceling the consumer carbon price and engaging in resource development discussions with Alberta, many Albertans still feel unheard and undervalued. Lloyd noted that the frustration stems from decades of feeling neglected, except during Stephen Harper’s Conservative government.
Amidst growing national pride due to external factors like the trade war with the United States, Lloyd emphasized the importance of engaging patriotism to maintain unity. In response to the referendum, the government appointed a senior adviser on Alberta earlier this year, Morgan Breitkreutz, to oversee the federal approach to the referendum.
Polls indicate strong support for Alberta remaining part of Canada, with lobbying groups pushing for the referendum to gain leverage with the federal government. Support for separation appears to be primarily from right-wing factions, including backers of the United Conservative Party led by Premier Danielle Smith. The Conservative Party has launched a campaign website to facilitate engagement and provide voting information for supporters ahead of the referendum.