Two of Alberta's largest labour unions have emerged as major third-party advertisers behind a petition aimed at keeping the province in Canada, according to a provincial public registry. The Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) and the United Nurses of Alberta spent tens of thousands of dollars promoting the Forever Canadian petition, far exceeding the advertising expenditures of groups supporting Alberta's pro-separatist effort.
Union Advertising Dominance
As of April 9, the United Nurses of Alberta had spent $34,391.07 on advertisements supporting the Forever Canadian petition, while the AFL contributed $10,000, according to Elections Alberta's public registry. In contrast, the two organizations registered to advertise in favor of Alberta's separatist petition spent a combined total of just $2,349. This disparity highlights the significant financial backing that union groups provided to the pro-federation campaign.
Under provincial law, any organization planning to spend more than $1,000 on advertising related to a citizen-led petition must register with Elections Alberta as a third-party advertiser. These advertisers are distinct from donors, who are not listed in any public registry. The issue of third-party advertising has come under increased scrutiny after media reports revealed that Elections Alberta is investigating whether proponents of the separation petition violated its rules.
Opposing Petitions
Two competing petitions have been vying for public support in recent months. The Forever Canadian petition, which advocates for Alberta to remain part of Canada, closed in October 2025. Meanwhile, the Alberta independence petition, which proposes separation from Canada, is currently gathering signatures and faces a May 2 deadline. Union groups have been among the most vocal opponents of separation, arguing that it would threaten the Canada Health Act, which many of their members rely on. Some First Nations have also opposed the separatist effort, citing potential risks to their treaty rights.
Campaign Independence
Thomas Lukaszuk, the proponent behind the Forever Canadian petition, stated that he never communicated directly with the unions about their advertising efforts, in compliance with Elections Alberta's rules. He expressed surprise at the nurses' involvement. Brent Rathgeber, co-manager of the Forever Canadian petition, said they implemented strict separation between the unions and the campaign to ensure independence from advertisers.
In a radio ad, the United Nurses of Alberta expressed concern about how separation could damage public health care and services. The AFL also opposed the independence petition, urging its members to join a 'ready to resist' campaign. David Cournoyer, communications advisor for the United Nurses of Alberta, confirmed that the $34,391 expenditure covered both radio and digital advertisements. He stated that the union's elected board members voted to support the Forever Canadian initiative because Canada is one of the best countries in the world and Alberta is better as part of it.
