Alberta Separatists Gather Signatures for Independence Referendum

Hundreds of Albertans gathered at a community center and Heritage Park in Stony Plain on January 22, 2026, to sign a petition seeking a referendum on Alberta's separation from Canada. Led by Mitch Sylvestre, a constituency association president for the United Conservative Party, and the group Stay Free Alberta, the movement aims to collect approximately 178,000 signatures by May to legally force a provincial vote. While some organizers aim for one million signatures to demonstrate widespread opposition to the federalist model, Alberta law requires roughly 177,000 to trigger the process.

Supporters of the movement cite financial frustrations with the federal equalization program and a lack of cultural alignment with Eastern Canada. Specific grievances include opposition to the federal government under Prime Minister Mark Carney, with critics highlighting policies regarding bail, guns, and livestock.

The petition received official sanction from Alberta's chief electoral officer in early January. To be valid, organizers must ensure 10 percent of the signatures come from eligible voters of the last provincial election. During the Stony Plain events, some volunteers reported administrative delays in receiving official badges from Elections Alberta, which are necessary for verifying identification and collecting valid signatures.