The federal Conservative party has initiated a drive to mobilize their backers and urge them to vote for remaining in Canada in the upcoming Alberta referendum on October 19. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre emphasized the need for unity among Albertans, highlighting that the issue lies not with Canada but with the current Liberal government during a speech in Calgary earlier this year.
Dane Lloyd, an MP from the Edmonton area, has been appointed as the lead for the campaign advocating to remain in Canada. Lloyd stated in an interview that their focus is on engaging conservative Albertans with a message that acknowledges the need for change in the status quo but underscores that the underlying problem is not with Canada itself.
Despite recent actions by the Liberal government, including canceling the consumer carbon price and signing agreements with Alberta on resource development, many Albertans still feel unheard and undervalued. Lloyd expressed that although individuals he has engaged with still consider themselves patriotic Canadians, they harbor frustration over the treatment the province has received from federal administrations over the years.
Emphasizing the importance of national pride amid ongoing challenges, Lloyd stressed the need to tap into patriotism across the country. The government has appointed a senior adviser earlier this year to oversee the federal response to the Alberta referendum.
Polls indicate that the majority of Albertans prefer to remain part of Canada. While some groups advocating for the referendum argue that a “yes” vote could provide leverage with Ottawa, separatism appears to be more of a right-wing concern with significant support coming from backers of Alberta’s United Conservative Party.
The Conservatives have launched a campaign website and social media statement ahead of the vote to encourage voter participation and support for a stronger Alberta within a united Canada. With high anticipated voter turnout for the referendum, the grassroots campaign is operating within Elections Alberta’s guidelines and aims to inform and mobilize supporters through donation options and volunteer opportunities.
