New Democrat leader Naheed Nenshi launched the For Alberta, For Canada movement Thursday to combat talk of separatism.
Albertans are being called to action to support their nation well in advance of a referendum on separatism that will likely happen this fall.
The Alberta new Democrats on Thursday launched the For Alberta, For Canada movement that will include door-to-door canvassing.
“Albertans, of course, have concerns with the placement of this province and Confederation — we always have,” NDP leader Naheed Nenshi said. “But here’s the thing, Albertans are fighters. Albertans fight to make it better, not just for ourselves, but for everyone. To borrow a phrase, we lead, we don’t leave.”
“And this is what For Alberta, For Canada, is about. It’s a chance for everyday people to get involved in their own neighborhoods and their own communities and to do their own role in the fight to save Canada.”
Nenshi announced the For Alberta, For Canada movement during a news conference Thursday in Calgary.
Nenshi said while For Alberta, For Canada is powered by the New Democrats everyone is welcome.
“Joining in For Alberta, For Canada doesn’t make you a new Democrat member. It doesn’t make you join any political party. What it makes you is a fighter for Canada, a true patriot, and we’re taking back patriotism.”
Albertans are already burdened by concern about the cost of living, health care, education and public safety, Nenshi said.
Now, talk of Alberta separatism has frozen investment in the province, slowed the economy, and pitted neighbour against neighbour.
“Now Albertans are worried about the future of our nation, the future of a country that we have worked so hard to build,” Nenshi said.
The leader of the Official Opposition said the No. 1 question asked these days is what can people do to prevent Alberta from separating.
The answer presented Thursday by Nenshi involves everyday Albertans visiting foralbertaforcanada.ca and signing up.
They can also help by encouraging their family and friends to join the For Alberta, For Canada movement.
NDP Deputy Leader Rakhi Pancholi said separatists are not being honest with Albertans about the consequences and negative impacts of separatism.
Separatism, Pancholi said, will only hurt Alberta’s economic and trade relationships and damage relationships with the rest of Canada.
“It happened in Quebec, and it will happen in Alberta in a time of incredible global uncertainty,” Pancholi said. “We don’t need more uncertainty in Alberta and in Canada. We need stability, and we need to show that we are proud of this country and proud of this province.”
Pancholi added that Albertans have a right to be frustrated that their contributions to a strong and prosperous Canada have not been recognized by the federal government.
Separating from Canada only puts everything Albertans work for, and that they value, at risk.
Pancholi also expressed concern the UCP government is ignoring the Forever Canadian petition signed by nearly half a million people who believe Alberta should remain in Canada.
“The government has done nothing but delay the work required by their own laws to respond to it,” Pancholi said. “Hundreds of thousands of Albertans have made their views on separatism very clear. That is an extremely powerful and clear message from the people of this province who love this country and want Alberta to stay in it.”
Pancholi said For Alberta, For Canada is a way to make sure the voices of those people who signed the Forever Canadian petition are heard.
A door-to-door campaign spreading a message of unity with take place Saturday April 25 in communities cross the province.
Pancholi said direct contact with other Albertans encouraging them to join For Alberta, For Canada is stronger than e-mail or text messages and social media posts.
“It will be those actions from everyday Albertans that will grow this movement and ensure we can mobilize ahead of a separate separatism referendum this fall,” Pancholi said. “Our province and our country depend on all of you to take action, and we’re giving you a way to do that.”
Nenshi said history has proven the negative impact of talk of separation, citing Quebec in the 1980s and 1990s.
“This country is worth fighting for,” Nenshi said. “And one thing we know as Canadians that we’ve always known as Canadians is that we are better together.”
New Democrat leader Naheed Nenshi launched the For Alberta, For Canada movement Thursday to combat talk of separatism.
