Alberta independence advocates say province would be stronger alone

“We have to do a referendum first,” Payne said.

“In the referendum there’s a number of ways to do things to become independent. And it most likely would be a citizens’ referendum for independence,” he added.

“And if we win the referendum, then we would certainly expect or hope that President Trump would recognize us as an independent nation.”

Several speakers at the event argued an independent Alberta would have the leverage to send more oil to the west coast.

They argued Alberta would be able to leverage its resource wealth and keep tax revenue within its borders, too.

An April 6 Angus Reid poll found that one in four Albertans would vote to leave Canada if a referendum were held tomorrow.

That number rises to 30 per cent of Albertans if the federal Liberals form government in Ottawa after the April 28 election.

Alberta Prosperity Project CEO Mitch Sylvestre says people are supporting Alberta sovereignty because of the way the province is being treated.

“Alberta’s been getting a bad deal from Ottawa for a hundred years,” Sylvestre said.

“We have to understand that Canada can do better by Alberta.”

Over 100 people attended the event at Harmony Hall.

Progressive group Aware Medicine Hat also had members in attendance, who interrupted speakers to ask questions and argue against independence.

by CHAT News Staff

Alberta independence advocates say province would be stronger alone

Our Community