People came in droves, lining up outside the Big Four building Monday morning in Calgary as an Alberta separatist group set up to collect signatures for a petition aimed at triggering a referendum on independence. The event, organized by the Alberta Prosperity Project and Stay Free Alberta, asks Albertans one question: “Do you agree that the province of Alberta should cease to be a part of Canada to become an independent state?” Organizers say they have already collected thousands of names but require more than 177,000 signatures to potentially force a referendum this fall. Despite chilly temperatures, a steady stream of people arrived to support the movement, many citing deep-seated frustration with the federal government and its “anti-energy” policies. “We like Canada. We love Canada. But right now we are unsatisfied with the situation, the policies,” said Tomas Vareiak, who signed the petition. “We want independence from the rest of Canada. I mean, everybody here probably loves the country, but this is what we are forced into,” said Sheri Negraiff, who came with her husband to sign. The lines continued after work, as more people gathered at the Big Four Roadhouse around 5:30 p.m. Alberta flags were prominent throughout the crowd. Several attendees say this is an independence movement and not a plea to join the United States. “I don’t think anybody in this lineup is interested in joining the U.S.,” said Scott Negraiff. Jeffrey Rath, representing Stay Free Alberta and the Alberta Prosperity Project, dismissed the idea of becoming the 51st state. “We’re seeking a free and independent Alberta,” said Rath. “Why the hell would we want to fight tooth and nail for a year and a half, for two years, to leave Canada and the clutches of the Canada Revenue Agency, to put ourselves under the taxing jurisdiction of the U.S. Treasury?” Rath has promised separation would result in the elimination of income and carbon taxes, though a formal plan has not yet been rolled out. The movement has faced criticism. On her radio show Saturday, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith reiterated her position. “I’ve made it very clear what my position is. It was my first bill, Alberta sovereignty within a united Canada. I want a new relationship with Ottawa,” said Smith. However, Mount Royal University political scientist Duane Bratt says Smith’s stance on a potential referendum is problematic. “If she continues with that, that’s a real dereliction of leadership,” said Bratt. “You’re talking about a referendum to break up the country, and you won’t say what side you’re on as a premier.” The Alberta NDP caucus also denounced the movement Monday, pledging to remain part of Canada. “Separatism is also a national security threat,” said leader Naheed Nenshi. “It makes Albertans more vulnerable in intensely fragile times.” A rally with speeches took place inside the Big Four in the evening, with organizers preparing for up to 7,500 attendees. On stage, Rath said Ottawa has given no clear reason not to seek independence. “Give us one good reason that Albertans will be better off if they stay in Canada,” he said. “Just one. “They can’t do it, because he reality is we have thousands of good reasons for leaving (but) they don’t have one good reason for any of us to stay anymore.” Live polls taking the temperature of the crowd included a vote on the issue of greatest interest within an independent Alberta: finance along with an immigration and deportation plan topped the list. Thousands signed the petition in Calgary on Monday. Petition signing locations remain active across the province, with all signatures needing to be collected by May 2.
