Forever Canadian and Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta launch partnership

The group behind the Forever Canadian petition is gearing up for the referendum question on separation it expects will be on the October ballot.

Forever Canadian and Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta (ACFA) have launched a partnership ahead of October’s potential referendum that would ask Albertans if the province should remain in Canada.

Under Alberta’s Citizen Initiative Act, the Forever Canadian petition, spearheaded by former deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk, collected 438,568 signatures in 90 days, about 40 per cent more than what was required.

Now the group is remobilizing to maintain momentum on the petition which will see town halls across the province and a new sign-up campaign, which will be bilingual.

“We thank the nearly half a million Albertans who agreed with unity in the last round,” said Lukaszuk Thursday. “This time, we urge you to sign up on our website so that, come referendum time, we can help get out the vote to show a resounding desire to put separatism to bed once and for all.”

A petition organized by separatist group Stay Free Alberta is now in the third month of collecting signatures. That petition is looking for a referendum that would ask Albertans if they want to pull out of Canada.

Lukaszuk said Stay Free Alberta’s initiative is concerning.

“That is why we are mobilizing … I never underestimate any opponent,” he said, adding that the province’s announcement of several referendum items to be voted on in October has fuelled the fire.

“She’s adding divisive questions to a referendum to mobilize the voter turnout for the separatists,” said Lukaszuk.

ACFA president said the partnership with Forever Canadian will reaffirm the organization’s commitment to a united Canada grounded in linguistic duality, respect for rights and recognition of diversity.

“This is why we’re here today, to ensure that our rights are protected for today and the future,” said Nathalie Lachance.

Stay Free Alberta has until May 2 to collect 177,732 signatures.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Amanda Anderson