‘Forever Canadian’ petition gets 456,000 signatures in Alberta

Alberta deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk has started a petition called “Forever Canadian,” asking people if Alberta should stay a part of Canada.

Lukaszuk said the petition has received more than 456,000 signatures, which is much higher than the 294,000 needed within three months to start a possible referendum.

The petition was created as a response to some groups that want Alberta to leave Canada and become an independent country. It asks a simple question:
“Do you agree that Alberta should remain within Canada?”

Lukaszuk believes Albertans should have a chance to decide through a referendum or by letting members of the legislature vote on the issue in the provincial assembly.

Premier Danielle Smith’s government has said Alberta should stay in Canada. However, it has also changed the rules to make it easier for groups to call a vote on independence by lowering the number of signatures required.

One such proposal from the Alberta Prosperity Project asks:
“Do you agree that the province of Alberta shall become a sovereign country and cease to be a province of Canada?”

The debate over Alberta’s future continues, but Lukaszuk’s petition shows that many Albertans want to remain part of Canada.