Crowds of supporters of Alberta independence gathered at the legislature plaza in Edmonton on Saturday afternoon, rallying for the separatist cause before Monday’s referendum. The event, organized by Let Alberta Decide, was initially set for 3 p.m. MT but was rescheduled to 4 p.m. due to strong winds in the area.
The rally featured ten speakers, including Keith Wilson, a lawyer co-chairing the organization and leading the Alberta Transition Council, which has a plan in place in case the province decides to secede from Canada. Attendees from various parts of the province were expected, with Let Alberta Decide arranging buses to transport people to the rally. The group rented 10 buses for this purpose, with two buses each from Calgary and Leduc already sold out.
The Edmonton Police Service issued a traffic advisory warning about potential disruptions around the legislative grounds due to the demonstration. Several rallies, including the one on Saturday, have been taking place leading up to the provincewide referendum on Monday, featuring 10 questions, including one on whether Alberta should remain in Confederation or pursue a binding secession referendum.
Hundreds of thousands of Albertans have already voted through mail or advance polls, which closed at 8 p.m. on Saturday. Voting stations will be open on Monday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the possibility of extended hours if needed. Polling data indicates that while most Albertans prefer to remain part of Canada, a significant number support independence. Elections Alberta confirmed nearly 222,600 signatures for the Stay Free Alberta citizen initiative petition, led by Mitch Sylvestre of the Alberta Prosperity Project.
In late August, a separate pro-separation rally drew hundreds of attendees to the legislature.
