Legislature should vote on “Forever Canada” petition

A referendum is expensive, divisive, and harmful to economy: CUPE

EDMONTON, AB--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A union representing over 40,000 Albertans is calling on Premier Danielle Smith to put the Forever Canada petition to a vote in the Legislature, rather than hold a referendum on the subject.

The “Forever Canada” group was successful in collecting enough signatures on a petition calling for Alberta to remain in Canada to force the UCP government to respond to it. Provincial law says the government must either put the question to a province-wide referendum or hold a vote on the matter in the Legislature.

CUPE Alberta President Raj Uppal says she’s worried that Danielle Smith doesn’t want a vote in the Legislature because it will reveal the fact many UCP MLAs support separatism.

“We know from the Quebec experience that referendums can be very unstable to the economy,” said Uppal. “Businesses flee, people decide not to move here. The money dries up.”

“Alberta is already facing economic headwinds due to Trump’s tariffs; we don’t need more pressure.”

Uppal said a referendum would cost around $11 million, and it would only create more division among Albertans.

“We shouldn’t be subjected to an expensive, divisive and harmful referendum just because the alternative is embarrassing to Danielle Smith,” said Uppal.

Uppal said it’s clear from opinion polling and the success of the petition that Albertans are not supportive of independence.

“Thousands of Albertans worked hard to put this question to rest, and they succeeded – spectacularly,” said Uppal. “Premier Smith should hold a vote in the Legislature, support our country, and stop engaging with the separatist minority.”