Edmonton city council voted unanimously on July 10, 2026, to declare that Edmonton and Alberta are a vital part of Canada and that Alberta should remain a province of the country. The motion, brought forward by Mayor Andrew Knack, was one of the last pieces of business before council's summer break.
Mayor’s Urgent Call for Unity
“I wish I didn’t have to bring this forward, but I think with where we’re at in the public sphere, it is important for council to be firm on this,” Knack said during the meeting. He emphasized that the motion was necessary to counter growing separatist discussions in the province.
Knack expressed concern that a small number of people could dominate the upcoming October referendum on Alberta’s place in Canada. “I’m worried that a small number of people are going to dominate the discussion, and maybe a small number of people will get out to vote, and the vast majority of Edmontonians who want to be a part of this country are going to be complacent to not get out and vote,” he said. “So I think the more we can be vocal about it, the better.”
Council Debates Broader Referendum Questions
Ward papastew Coun. Michael Janz supported the motion but hoped it would also address other questions on the ballot, which he described as “quite racist and xenophobic” and “triggering racism and anti-immigrant hatred in our communities.” Knack declined to delay the motion to address all referendum questions at once, as council was about to recess for the summer.
Knack echoed Janz’s concerns about the other nine referendum questions. “I feel that they are racist questions. I feel that those questions are designed to divide, and I am strongly opposed to them,” he said. However, he noted that not all council members might share the same perspective on those issues, whereas the motion to remain in Canada was clear.
Economic Impact of Separatist Talk
Knack warned that the October referendum conversation was already affecting Edmonton’s investment climate. “I’ve already been hearing from employers and prospective investors about what the entire October referendum conversation is doing to our investment strategy. I’ve had to reassure folks that this is something that should not go through, but we need to make sure that people continue to invest in our city,” he said.
Ward Anirniq Coun. Erin Rutherford, who has a maple leaf tattoo on her ankle as a symbol of her commitment to Canada, questioned how the motion would help. Knack responded that he couldn’t guarantee it would solve every problem but called it “one of the ultimate hills” to stand on. “I think it’s important for us to stand and to be clear. I think it’s important to take a stand on something that is foundationally impactful to our city,” he said.
Context of Separatist Movements
The motion comes amid ongoing separatist activism in Alberta, including a court decision allowing the counting of a separatist petition and a First Nations legal challenge against Alberta separatists. Knack’s motion aims to reaffirm Edmonton’s commitment to Canada and encourage voter turnout in the October referendum.
