Long lineups at Rundle Park as Alberta separation petition draws hundreds
A Stay Free Alberta canvass at Rundle Park drew at least 500 people by midday, with organisers expecting more as the group seeks 177,732 signatures by May 2.
Copy link
By Torontoer Staff
Hundreds of people lined up at Rundle Park in northeast Edmonton on Saturday as Stay Free Alberta ran a canvassing and educational event for a petition asking whether Alberta should separate from Canada. Organisers reported at least 500 signatures by midday and said they expected the total to grow through the afternoon.
The petition, filed under the title A Referendum Relating to Alberta Independence, needs 177,732 valid signatures by May 2 to be put before the Alberta government. Stay Free Alberta began hosting provincewide canvassing blitzes after receiving approval from Elections Alberta in early January.
Who attended and why
Supporters who came to Rundle Park described the event as an opportunity to add their names to a petition they see as giving Albertans a voice on the province's relationship with Canada. Several people spoke about frustration with the federal government and a desire for political change.
We need a choice, and right now we don’t have a choice. Our government is doing whatever they want.
man in line, declined to give his name
I think it’s incredible. I’m so happy to be around like-minded people. People want change. We’re not happy with how we’re treated by the federal government, we work really hard and we’re treated like the cash cow, and we’re totally disrespected by Ottawa.
Janine
When I got here I was super excited, and I was willing to wait even if it took me 10 hours to stand here and sign this for myself and my children. I want my children to be able to decide their future. I also want to be able to decide my future.
Cordy Bello
Event logistics and turnout
Organisers said the turnout reflected interest across the province. By midday at Rundle Park at least 500 people had signed; one person in line predicted more than 1,000 signatures by the end of the day. Stay Free Alberta’s proponent, Mitch Sylvestre, has previously said he expects the group to surpass the signature goal.
Stay Free Alberta received approval from Elections Alberta in early January to carry out petition activities, which allowed the group to begin coordinated canvassing and educational blitzes. Saturday’s events were part of that plan.
Provincewide activity
Canvassing events took place in rural and urban areas across Alberta on Saturday. In addition to Edmonton, volunteers and supporters gathered in communities including Thorhild County, Water Valley, Okotoks, Bashaw and Buck Creek.
- Rundle Park, northeast Edmonton
- Thorhild County
- Water Valley
- Okotoks
- Bashaw
- Buck Creek
What the petition could trigger
If organisers deliver at least 177,732 valid signatures by the May 2 deadline, the petition can be brought before the Alberta government. The petition’s proponents view that as the next formal step in seeking a referendum-style question on Alberta’s independence.
Political and legal pathways that follow a petition are complex and can involve additional review by provincial authorities. Organisers at Saturday’s events focused their messaging on gathering signatures and building public support ahead of the deadline.
Where reporting came from
This report reflects coverage from CTV News Edmonton, which attended the Rundle Park event and filed accounts from attendees and organisers. The petition and the canvassing schedule remain active as the group works toward the May 2 deadline.
Organisers say more events are planned as they continue collecting signatures across Alberta. If the pace of canvassing holds, the petition’s proponents believe they can meet the numerical threshold required to present the referendum question to provincial authorities.
Alberta independenceStay Free AlbertapetitionEdmontonRundle Park
