A former deputy premier of Alberta, Thomas Lukaszuk, has announced the success of a petition he initiated to solidify the province’s commitment to remaining part of Canada. Lukaszuk revealed that the petition garnered over 456,000 signatures, surpassing the required threshold of 294,000 signatures for a potential referendum.
During a recent news conference, Lukaszuk emphasized that the substantial number of Albertans who signed the petition, totaling 456,365 individuals, expressed their disapproval of separatism. He urged Premier Danielle Smith and Alberta MLAs to address the issue by voting on the matter, effectively putting the idea of separatism to rest.
The petition, titled “Forever Canadian,” was launched in response to separatist movements advocating for Alberta’s independence. It poses a straightforward question: “Do you agree that Alberta should remain within Canada?” Meanwhile, a competing initiative by the Alberta Prosperity Project proposes a question regarding Alberta’s sovereignty.
While the outcome of a potential referendum remains uncertain, Lukaszuk hopes that Premier Smith will consider the sentiments expressed through the petition. He highlighted the emotional and personal connections that many signatories shared during the signature collection process, emphasizing their strong affinity for Canadian identity.
Elections Alberta confirmed receipt of the signatures and outlined a verification process expected to be completed within 60 days. Lukaszuk expressed gratitude for the widespread support and engagement, describing the petition as a significant milestone in Canadian history. As the process concludes, he looks forward to resuming his daily routine, acknowledging the impact and success of the petition in uniting Albertans under a shared national identity.