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Separatists hold independence rally in lead-up to Alberta's birthday bash
Organizers said more than 400,000 people signed a petition as the province moves toward an Oct. 19 vote on separation.
On Saturday, the Alberta Prosperity Project held a rally outside the legislature in Edmonton where attendees prayed, heard sermons, and urged secession from Canada.
A petition for a separation referendum filed earlier this year was quashed in court in May, though the ruling is being appealed; Premier Danielle Smith then scheduled an Oct. 19 vote on Alberta's future in Canada.
Leader Mitch Sylvestre claimed, "Ottawa is putting its elbows up to protect themselves from us," while Edmonton resident Jill Didow stated, "I believe in Alberta independence."
Smith supports remaining in Canada but acknowledged that separatists "are not fringe voices," positioning her Oct. 19 ballot as a way to address mounting secessionist demands.
Marking 121 years since Alberta joined Confederation, the Saturday rally reflected deep regional tensions with Ottawa as the province prepares for birthday festivities and the upcoming Oct. 19 referendum.