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Alberta Separatists Launch Campaign, Says Province Has Resources to Go It Alone
Organizers say Alberta has the workforce, finances and resources to stand alone as 35 people rally for the separatist drive.
On Friday, about 35 people rallied in Calgary to formally launch 'Let Alberta Decide,' a campaign aimed at persuading Albertans to vote for independence in an upcoming referendum.
Separatist advocate Keith Wilson and co-chair Tanya Clemens aim to professionalize the movement by embracing news media and employing campaign techniques used by political parties.
Wilson argued that Alberta's negotiations with Prime Minister Mark Carney prove the province has outgrown its relationship with Ottawa, claiming it forces Alberta to 'beg' rather than work independently.
Despite the campaign launch, polls suggest a majority of Albertans prefer to remain in Canada; former Alberta premier Jason Kenney recently debated separation's merits against Wilson.
Four months remain until the October 19 referendum, which Premier Danielle Smith announced will determine whether Albertans proceed with a second vote on independence.