Alberta Separatists Host Edmonton Gathering, Criticize Federal Leadership
In a striking display of political dissent, approximately one hundred supporters of Alberta independence convened at the Days Inn in west Edmonton on Tuesday evening. The event, organized by the Alberta Prosperity Project, featured lawyer Jeffrey Rath as the keynote speaker, who delivered a fiery address targeting Prime Minister Mark Carney and current immigration policies.
Separatist Sentiment in a Canadian-Symbolized Venue
The venue itself presented a stark contrast to the evening's proceedings. The hotel lobby prominently displayed a large Canadian flag behind the front desk, accompanied by numerous signs declaring the establishment as "proudly Canadian owned and operated" with accompanying red maple leaf symbols. Despite these national symbols, the conference rooms were filled with individuals advocating for Alberta's separation from Confederation.
One room was dedicated to collecting signatures for the Stay Free Alberta petition, which calls for a provincial referendum on independence. The neighboring room hosted Rath's presentation to enthusiastic supporters who gathered to hear the latest developments in the separatist movement.
Disputed Polling Numbers and Growing Support Claims
Rath presented data suggesting stronger support for separatism than indicated by mainstream polling organizations. While an Ipsos poll released earlier in the week showed 29 percent support for leaving Canada—a number that dropped to approximately 15 percent when respondents considered potential financial hardships—Rath claimed his organization's internal research reveals different figures.
"Our numbers show 40 percent support for separatism province-wide," Rath declared to the assembled crowd. "In rural areas, we're seeing support at 60 percent." He further highlighted a recent Calgary event that reportedly attracted nearly five thousand supporters, suggesting growing momentum for the independence movement.
Criticism of Federal Leadership and Economic Policies
The separatist lawyer launched particularly harsh criticism at Prime Minister Mark Carney, accusing the federal government of treating Alberta as a "resource colony" for Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal. "The only thing keeping Canada from being bankrupt is Alberta, right?" Rath questioned rhetorically. "And we're all sick and tired of Mark Carney cashing or writing cheques with his mouth, cheques that Albertans are sick and tired of paying for."
Rath expressed frustration with what he characterized as federal overreach and economic policies that allegedly disadvantage Alberta. He specifically referenced Carney's recent speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos and Canada's strategic partnerships with China covering exports and imports ranging from electric vehicles to agricultural goods.
International Relations and Strategic Positioning
The Alberta Prosperity Project has reportedly engaged with U.S. State Department officials on three separate occasions, according to Rath. He suggested that an independent Alberta would receive American support and emphasized the importance of cooperative relationships with southern neighbors rather than confrontation.
Rath criticized Carney's foreign policy approach, particularly regarding interactions with the United States. "But there's Carney, he's literally like a mouse biting on the toenail of an elephant," Rath remarked, referencing the Prime Minister's positions on various international matters. "He's talking about going to war with the United States of America. I can't imagine anyone doing anything more asinine than that."
Movement Momentum and Future Plans
Despite the controversial nature of the separatist movement, Rath expressed confidence in its growing appeal. "And we haven't even started the referendum campaign yet," he noted, suggesting that current support levels represent merely a foundation for future expansion.
The event concluded with organizers encouraging attendees to continue gathering signatures for the independence petition and spreading their message throughout the province. As children played mini-golf in the hallway adjoining the conference rooms, the political gathering underscored the complex and sometimes contradictory nature of contemporary Alberta politics, where national symbols and separatist sentiments coexist in unexpected spaces.
