An Open Letter To Premier Danielle Smith: Let Albertans Vote

An Open Letter To Premier Danielle Smith:
Let Albertans Vote

Premier Smith,

We write to you as Albertans who hold a wide variety of views and perspectives on Alberta’s future.

Some of us support Alberta’s current position in Canada, some support greater provincial sovereignty within Canada, some support Alberta independence, and some remain undecided.

But regardless of where we all stand on the question of which path Alberta should take, we are all united in our belief that Albertans deserve the right to peacefully and democratically express their views on this question at the ballot box.

The recent court ruling blocking the Stay Free Alberta petition has created deep concern and resentment amongst many in our province.

We believe - as you yourself have stated - that this ruling was an “error in law”. Regardless of anyone’s opinion on Alberta separation, it makes no sense for courts to require indigenous consultation before citizens are permitted to even collect signatures on an issue, rather than prior to actual government action being taken, as has historically been the case.

Given this, we were pleased to hear your confirmation that your government will appeal this ruling and defend the rights of Albertans to collect signatures on any issue going forward. However, as you know, the appeals process in Canada can take a very long time.

We are therefore calling on you to use your existing authority under Alberta’s Referendum Act to place the Stay Free Alberta petition question on the ballot alongside the other referendum questions you are putting to Albertans on October 19th, 2026.

More than 300,000 Albertans signed the Stay Free Alberta petition calling for a referendum on Alberta leaving Canada, and more than 400,000 Albertans signed the Forever Canadian petition calling for a referendum on Alberta remaining in Canada.

You previously indicated that if sufficient signatures were collected, an independence question would appear on the October 19th, 2026, ballot. More than 700,000 people want to have their say. We believe it is important for Albertans’ continued faith in our democratic institutions and processes that this commitment be honoured.

Ultimately, this is not a question of whether we support separation or not. The question is whether we support Albertans' right to vote on issues of major public importance. In a free and democratic society, the answer to complicated political questions should be debate, persuasion, and participation - not prohibition.

Albertans should not lose their opportunity to vote on this and other issues at the whim of a single judge. A failure to hold a vote as promised would result in even further alienation, distrust, and resentment towards institutions that are already perceived to be treating Albertans unfairly.

We hope your government's appeal of this ruling eventually succeeds, but a referendum cannot wait - Albertans’ democratic rights should not be suspended for years while court cases drag on.

Albertans have always been strong and free. Our democracy should be, too.

It’s time to let Albertans vote.

Signed,

Peter McCaffrey
President
Alberta Institute