Thomas Lukaszuk, the architect behind the successful Forever Canada citizens' petition, has been summoned to Ottawa by the Prime Minister's Office. The invitation comes as federal officials seek to understand the simmering political climate in Alberta following a landmark demonstration of pro-confederation sentiment.
A Warning to Ottawa: Unity and Security at Stake
Lukaszuk is poised to deliver a stark message to the federal government. He cautions that the national unity implications of separatist feelings in Alberta demand serious attention. More alarmingly, he suggests that escalating anger within the province could morph into a tangible national security concern.
He perceives Prime Minister Mark Carney as "very in tune with what's going on in Alberta" and genuinely worried. "I think not only is he concerned about, you know, just having an angry province," Lukaszuk stated, "but in any country, you cannot have a large cohort of angry white men." He expressed specific concern about a "very small group of angry militant men, armed to their teeth."
The Petition's Overwhelming Success
This high-stakes dialogue follows a definitive victory for Lukaszuk's unique initiative. Elections Alberta confirmed this week that the "Forever Canada" petition garnered valid signatures from over 400,000 Albertans. This figure represents nearly 14 percent of the province's eligible electorate.
The petition posed a simple, direct question: "Do you agree that Alberta should remain within Canada?" The campaign, which culminated in Lukaszuk delivering boxes of signatures to Elections Alberta in Edmonton on October 28, 2025, was designed as a preemptive strike against any potential future referendum on separation.
Premier Smith's Critical Decision
However, the petition's success is only the beginning. Under Alberta's 2021 citizen petition law, the ball is now in Premier Danielle Smith's court. She holds the sole authority to decide the next steps, which are limited to two options:
- Call a yes/no referendum based on the petition's question.
- Direct all Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to vote on a new law or government policy affirming Alberta's commitment to remain in Canada.
The Forever Canada campaign advocates for the legislative route. Yet, confusion persists among some supporters who believed the effort would automatically lead to a pro-Canada referendum.
"We gave her (the Alberta premier) a choice," Lukaszuk insisted. "She gets to decide." When asked for his prediction, he responded with a chuckle, "Well, she's going to call a referendum, especially after this UCP convention. She painted herself into a corner."
His comment references a recent United Conservative Party annual convention where Premier Smith was booed by some party members. The negative reaction occurred when she mentioned the memorandum of understanding she signed with Prime Minister Carney to advance an oil export pipeline from Alberta to tidewater.
Adding another layer, the Alberta government proposed legislation late this week that would grant the justice minister authority to decide whether a referendum application proceeds or is sent to court for review.
Political History and Instincts
The dynamics are informed by longstanding political relationships. Lukaszuk, a former deputy premier under Premier Alison Redford, is known for his sharp political instincts. Premier Smith, who was leader of the opposition Wildrose Party during his tenure, is similarly adept. When recently asked in a French-language interview if she would support federalist rallies, Smith replied she had no problem "saying loud and clear that Canada can work."
As Lukaszuk prepares for his Ottawa meeting, the core tension remains: a massive, legally validated declaration of allegiance to Canada now sits on the premier's desk, against a backdrop of palpable frustration within the province. The path Smith chooses will send a powerful signal about Alberta's immediate political future and its relationship with the federation.
