In the ongoing debate over separation in Alberta, leadership on the “remain” and “leave” sides is fragmented among various organizations with differing strategies and key figures. Unlike past referendums, there is no single dominant group orchestrating the campaigns.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, despite initiating the referendum question, is not at the forefront of the pro-Canada campaign. Former deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk’s group, Forever Canadian, has mobilized against separatism by launching a province-wide campaign with a focus on patriotism.
Former federal Conservative cabinet minister Monte Solberg leads a third-party advertising group advocating for the stay option. Meanwhile, a mix of academics, politicians, and experts form the Lead Not Leave group, functioning as a “pop-up think-tank” to produce research papers and discussions on the importance of remaining part of Canada.
Separatist groups like the Alberta Prosperity Project and Let Alberta Decide have been active in pushing for independence, with internal conflicts arising over the referendum question’s wording. These groups are engaging in various activities, including town halls and campaigns to garner support for separation.
Additionally, the Centurion Project, initially a key player in the separatist movement, has paused activities due to investigations into its handling of voter data. The landscape of the referendum campaigns in Alberta remains complex, with multiple groups and leaders vying for attention and support.