The warm spring air carried voices across Churchill Square last Saturday as hundreds of Edmontonians gathered beneath our city’s distinctive skyline. Many waved Canadian flags while others held handmade signs proclaiming their love for our country.
At the center of it all stood Thomas Lukaszuk, Edmonton’s former provincial cabinet minister and deputy premier, microphone in hand, addressing the crowd with passionate conviction.
“We need to send a strong message to Ottawa that Alberta is, was, and will remain a proud Canadian province,” Lukaszuk told the assembled crowd, his voice carrying across the square.
The rally marked a significant moment in what Lukaszuk calls a grassroots movement to counter what he describes as growing separatist sentiment in our province. His recently launched petition, “Albertans for Canada,” has already gathered over 18,000 signatures from locals eager to affirm their Canadian identity.
I spoke with Lukaszuk after his speech as attendees mingled around us. The spring breeze occasionally drowned out our conversation, but his determination remained clear.
“This isn’t about partisan politics,” he explained, pausing to greet several supporters. “This is about standing up for what most Albertans believe – that we’re stronger as part of Canada than we would be alone.”
The petition comes amid what many see as increasing tensions between our provincial and federal governments. Premier Danielle Smith’s Alberta Sovereignty Act and rhetoric about Alberta’s place in confederation have sparked concerns among many locals who feel their Canadian identity is being challenged.
Edmonton resident Maria Gonzalez, attending with her family, shared her perspective as we stood near the art gallery steps. “I’ve lived here for 23 years after immigrating from Colombia,” she said. “Alberta has given us so much, but as part of Canada. I can’t imagine separating from this country that welcomed us.”
Lukaszuk’s initiative has received support from across the political spectrum. Former Progressive Conservative MLAs stood alongside past NDP supporters at the rally, suggesting the message transcends traditional political divides.
“That’s what makes this different,” noted Dr. Jared Wesley, political science professor at the University of Alberta. “When polling consistently shows roughly 80 percent of Albertans want to remain in Canada, this isn’t a partisan issue – it’s a democratic one.”
The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce hasn’t officially endorsed the petition but released a statement acknowledging economic concerns about separatist rhetoric. “Business uncertainty increases when constitutional questions arise,” the statement read. “Our members benefit from national market access and clear regulatory frameworks.”
Not everyone supports Lukaszuk’s movement. A small counter-demonstration gathered across the square, with approximately two dozen people holding “Alberta First” signs. Their spokesperson, declined to be interviewed but distributed pamphlets outlining grievances with federal policies.
As the rally concluded, I watched families lingering in the square, children with maple leaf face paint playing as adults continued discussions in small groups. The scene felt quintessentially Edmonton – passionate but polite, diverse in background but united in purpose.
Local musician Sarah Cardinal performed a stirring rendition of “O Canada” that brought many to tears. “I’m Métis, born and raised in Edmonton,” she told me later. “My family story is a Canadian story. This matters to us.”
Lukaszuk plans to present the petition to both provincial and federal governments once it reaches 25,000 signatures. Whether it influences policy remains to be seen, but the former deputy premier believes the message itself matters.
“Sometimes we need to stand up and be counted,” he said as we concluded our conversation. “This is one of those moments.”
As I walked back to my car, I passed a group of university students still debating the day’s events. Their animated conversation echoed what makes our city special – engaged citizens who care deeply about their community’s future.
For more information about upcoming petition events or to add your name, visit the Albertans for Canada website. The next rally is scheduled for June 15 at the Alberta Legislature grounds.
