Edmonton Newcomers Voice Strong Opposition to Alberta Separation Movement
In a vibrant conference room at the Alberta Immigrant Women and Children Centre in Edmonton, newcomers from diverse backgrounds gather for an English for Life class. The air fills with shouts in Ukrainian, Arabic, and Somali as an instructor leads calisthenics, with translators ensuring everyone understands. This scene of multicultural unity stands in stark contrast to the growing political discourse around Alberta separation.
A Center of Support and Integration
The center, located on the second floor of a strip mall on Fort Road's north end, served 20,000 clients in 2025. It offers crucial services ranging from government program assistance and food hampers to teen homework sessions. Primarily funded by the federal government, its mission is to help new arrivals acclimate to Edmonton. However, recent political developments have cast a shadow over this work.
Newcomers have become aware of the "leave" campaign, led by figures like lawyer Jeffrey Rath, who has suggested an independent Alberta would restrict immigration. At a Stay Free Alberta event in Didsbury, cheers erupted when Alberta Prosperity Project leader Mitch Sylvestre claimed many newer arrivals would depart if separation occurred.
Immigrants Advocate for National Unity
Despite these divisive statements, clients at the center overwhelmingly view Alberta as an integral part of Canada—a country with a strong international reputation that has been kind and welcoming to them.
Mustafa Seddiqi, who arrived from Afghanistan in 2022 with his wife and three children and now works as a full-time case manager, argues that global political instability makes separation particularly ill-timed. "When we are together, we are much stronger," Seddiqi states. "This is not a good idea at this moment, and maybe not in the future, also. I'm not in favour of separatism, and I hope this agenda is not doing much going forward."
He acknowledges Canada's recent challenges but notes many nations face similar issues. "It doesn't mean that everyone should be separated and we become divided. Canada is beautiful. Every province. Canada is a good country, a resourceful country. The people should be united, standing together."
Seddiqi adds that fringe elements exist globally and shouldn't define a place. Despite some separatists' anti-immigration rhetoric, he finds Alberta welcoming, especially for families. "I really integrated very well into Alberta. It's a very welcoming province, especially for people who raise families, children. Generally, people in Canada are very polite, there's no doubt about it."
Traumatic Effects on Newcomers
Souleka Mustapha, the center's director of programs and services, warns that separation talk can traumatize newcomers. Many fled instability and sought safety in Canada, making discussions of division particularly distressing.
As Gary Williams, the food insecurity coordinator, organizes hampers for seniors, the center continues its vital work. The message from these Edmonton immigrants is clear: they value Canada's unity and oppose separation, viewing Alberta's place within the nation as essential for strength and prosperity.
