Thousands rally across Alberta as some warn separation debate is overshadowing other concerns

Protesters gathered across Alberta for a day of action organized by labour groups opposing several UCP government policies. Kathy Le reports.

EDMONTON – Thousands of Albertans rallied in communities across the province Friday, voicing concerns about affordability, health care and public services as Alberta’s separation debate continues to dominate political discussion.

Organizers with the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) said 20 protests were held in 15 communities, bringing together labour groups, community organizations and residents concerned about a wide range of provincial issues.

AFL president Gil McGowan said many Albertans feel the province’s political priorities are out of step with the challenges they face in their daily lives.

“I think it’s laughable to hear anyone from the UCP (United Conservative Party) saying that their government is focused on the issues that matter to Albertans because nothing could be further from the truth,” McGowan said at a rally in downtown Edmonton.

“What matters to Albertans is the affordability crisis. It’s about stagnant wages, and it’s about our public services that are underfunded, understaffed and falling apart.”

McGowan argued the government’s focus on separation does not reflect the concerns he is hearing from workers and families.

“They’ve got an agenda that bears no resemblance to the priorities of ordinary Albertans,” he said. “Albertans didn’t ask for separatism. I would point out that the UCP didn’t run on separatism.”

The demonstrations come as Alberta’s political landscape has been increasingly dominated by debate over a proposed referendum that would ask Albertans whether the province should remain in Canada or begin the process toward a future binding separation vote.

‘If Alberta separates, I will be gone’

Jason Foster, a professor of human resources and labour relations at Athabasca University, said demonstrations of this scale are unusual in Alberta and represent a significant show of strength by the labour movement.

“It would be sending a message to the government and to the province that the labour movement needs to be taken seriously,” said Foster.

Foster said protests focused on a single issue are common, but large demonstrations taking place simultaneously across multiple communities are rare.

He adds that the protests also serve as a reminder that Alberta’s political identity is not defined solely by the separation movement.

“I think today’s day of action is significant in telling the rest of the country that there are Albertans who want to fight for Canada,” Foster said. “This isn’t just the land of separatists.”

Many participants said they are concerned the separation debate is drawing attention away from issues they believe are more immediate.

“Really important things like education and health care that they’re just completely missing the boat on,” said Leslie Dennis in Calgary.

Dennis said she strongly opposes Alberta leaving Confederation.

“I’m very pro-Canada. If Alberta separates, I will be gone.”

In Calgary’s northeast, rally organizer Sead Tokalic said residents in his community are struggling with affordability and access to services.

“We have a huge population of disabled persons in our community, and they’re pushing them even deeper into debt,” he said.

The provincial government pushed back saying it is focused on many of the issues raised at the demonstrations.

In a statement, the Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration said health care, education, affordability, job creation and economic growth remain key priorities.

The ministry pointed to record health-care spending, a planned $8.6-billion investment to build and modernize schools across the province, and what it described as Canada’s strongest job creation record and most resilient economy amid global economic uncertainty.