EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — One of Alberta’s leading separatists pledged Saturday to continue the independence movement even if voters Monday reject a proposal to begin the process of leaving Canada, saying his supporters have already won by making separation a major political issue.
“No matter what happens on Monday, we have already won,” Keith Wilson, co-chair of the pro-independence group Let Alberta Decide, told supporters at a rally outside the Alberta legislature.
Monday vote is not a direct referendum on independence. Albertans will decide whether to remain a province or begin the legal process toward a future referendum on separation.
Wilson did not concede defeat, but appeared to prepare his supporters for the eventuality.
Wilson said the movement convinced hundreds of thousands of Albertans that independence was legally possible and forced a broader debate about the province’s grievances against Ottawa.
The independence movement attracted activists who opposed COVID-19 vaccination mandates and supported the movement. Trucker convoy 2022 which paralyzed downtown Ottawa for weeks and closed some border crossings. Wilson was a leading advocate for the protest.
The pandemic has fueled a separatist movement long fueled by Western alienation — Ottawa’s resentment of federal power and energy policies — attracting activists angry over COVID-19 restrictions, some influenced by conspiracy theories.
Wilson also invited American UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland to the stage. Strickland hailed the convoy of Canadian truckers as an inspiration to Americans who stood up for their rights and exercised their freedom to protest.
Wilson also rejected former Alberta premier Jason Kenney’s suggestion that separatists should abandon their cause if they fail to secure a majority on Monday.
“That doesn’t happen,” Wilson said. “We’re going to build on our successes, build on our relationships.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney has campaigned against separation, warning that even beginning the process would lead to years of economic uncertainty, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war and threats to make Canada the 51st state raise concerns about Canadian sovereignty.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the referendum despite being opposed to independence herself. She recently cited a poll showing just 22% support for separation.
Madison Holmes, a 23-year-old pro-independence supporter from Calgary, said the pandemic and vaccine mandates drew her to politics and fueled her opposition to Carney and his predecessor, Justin Trudeau.
“COVID is what brought me out of my shell. I wasn’t political,” Holmes said.
Also on Saturday, Major fire breaks out at military base in Alberta. Smith said the fire affected many service members and Carney said it was caused by a “serious incident,” but further details were not immediately available.
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