The Problem

Update Spring 2026: The worst-case scenario for this year has been confirmed: Premier Smith has scheduled a referendum on Alberta separation from Canada for October 19, 2026. Worldwide, separation referendums are typically won or lost by very narrow margins. Trust and stability in our city, in Alberta, and in Canada are eroding, and will continue to worsen before they get better. Separatists, backed by MAGA and oligarchs, are banking on people’s apathy and complacency to fuel dysfunctional societies and consolidate economic and political power.

Edmonton must send the strongest, loudest message against Alberta’s separation attempt in this referendum. We salute Edmonton’s leaders, from all stripes and walks of life, who are fighting to keep our city (and hopefully Alberta) in Canada. See for example these recent articles about City Councilors initiatives, such as Aaron Paquette: Councillor wants Edmonton to remain in Canada if Alberta separates (Edmonton Journal, May 2006) and Michael Janz: Edmonton councillor pitches ‘Forever Canadian’ street amid separatist push (Global News, May 2026).

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Rising talk of Alberta separating from Canada is more than political theatre-it poses a serious threat to the future of Edmonton, Alberta, and the country as a whole. While it’s understandable that many Albertans feel frustrated with some federal policies, breaking away from Canada would come at a cost Edmonton can’t afford.

Attempts at separation would seriously disrupt the economy. We could see billions in trade vanish, investment stall, and business confidence collapse. Just as tariffs or threats of tariffs can destroy businesses, separation attempts would do the same or worse. We’ve seen similar fallout elsewhere-in the uncertainty of Brexit and the political chaos following Quebec’s referendums. What’s more, Alberta’s legal and constitutional footing would be thrown into turmoil.

We already struggle to get our voice heard in a province where decisions often reflect rural or oligarchy's interests over Edmonton’s needs. Transit, housing, industry diversification, and smart climate action-these priorities are too often sidelined. Separatism would only make that worse.

We need a different path. Most Edmontonians (and most Albertans) don’t want to leave Canada. We want fairness, not fragmentation. But if Alberta pushes ahead with separation, Edmonton must be ready to chart its own course-to protect our economy, our diversity, and our place in Canada and the world.

This isn’t about dividing people. It’s about defending our future.

Separatists' main goal is to be part of the USA. We respect the US and want to have the best relationship with them, but among other things Edmontonians do not want Mr. Trump as president.

There is a path forward:

Oppose any Alberta separation referendum-we must stand firm that Alberta belongs in Canada.

If the Government of Alberta insists on opening the door to leave, then Edmonton must secure its own future by separating from Alberta-protecting our economy, unity, and place in Confederation and the world.

This isn’t about division-it’s about preserving what makes Edmonton strong.

We want a fair and serious Government of Alberta.

Premier Danielle Smith works hard and often brings forward good ideas, but flirting with separation is not one of them.

Manipulated city by the Government of Alberta

Undermining Edmonton: The Cost of Provincial Interference

Alberta was created by the federal government in 1905, but people have thrived on these lands for millennia. From space, you see Edmonton’s glow, not Alberta’s borders.

Yet our city faces relentless disrespect:

Strangled autonomy: The provincial government overrides local decisions on housing, transit, and policing.
Financial sabotage: Alberta withholds fair funding while draining Edmonton’s tax base.
Artificial divisions: Provincial gerrymandering fractures our metro region, blocking coordinated services with Sherwood Park and St. Albert

Residents in Edmonton neighborhoods like Capilano and Gold Bar live just a few hundred meters from the oil refineries, yet all the property tax revenue from these facilities goes to Strathcona County and benefits Sherwood Park-communities much farther away. This arrangement is widely seen as unfair, as Edmonton bears the impacts of nearby heavy industry without receiving the financial benefits.

Moreover, Strathcona County has historically resisted deeper collaboration with Edmonton, particularly on opposing integrating transit systems and supporting regional initiatives that would benefit the broader metropolitan area. Meanwhile, the Government of Alberta has allowed this fragmented system to persist, leaving Edmonton to shoulder higher costs for city services, infrastructure, and social programs without a fair share of industrial tax revenue or strong regional support.

Significant cuts to social programs, child welfare, and homelessness funding have left the city struggling to support its most vulnerable residents. Edmonton’s public health care is under threat from legislation promoting private, for-profit hospitals, while schools face chronic underfunding and provincial interference in labour disputes.

While our local government can improve efficiency, the government’s refusal to pay property taxes on provincial buildings has left the city with millions in unpaid debts, further straining local budgets. Most concerning, new laws grant the province sweeping powers to override municipal decisions, allowing corporate and union donations in local elections, fire city councillors, and postpone elections-seriously eroding local democracy. Bill 50 could create cascading financial disadvantages for independent candidates running against candidates who are part of a party in the municipal election in October 2025. Together, these actions have weakened Edmonton’s ability to serve its citizens and chart its own future, fueling frustration and deepening the divide between the city and the provincial government.