Keith Wilson KC: “My reflections on Monday’s referendum—and the road ahead for Alberta

More than 500,000 Albertans—over 25% of everyone who voted—supported moving Alberta toward a referendum on independence.

That is more than one voter in four, and it is a remarkable achievement.

We reached that level of support despite every established political party deploying its infrastructure and resources against us, well-funded third-party campaigns defending the status quo, and the Stay side enjoying the support of the publicly funded media.

In my view, the playing field was not level.

Serious concerns remain about the consistency of Elections Alberta’s enforcement of election and campaign-finance rules which allowed Thomas Lukaszuk and Forever Canadian to receive out of province donations and donations over the limits applied to the rest of us.

Nevertheless, more than half a million Albertans stood up and said that the status quo is no longer acceptable.

They represent a substantial and growing constituency that wants constitutional change, economic freedom and a better future for Alberta—and their voices cannot responsibly be dismissed or ignored.

We must respect Monday’s democratic result. We must also recognize that our work is far from finished.

There is much more to do to help a majority of Albertans understand that, by every objective measure, our children and grandchildren can have a more prosperous, secure and hopeful future if Alberta controls its own destiny.

We must take the time to explain the opportunity, answer legitimate questions and demonstrate that a better future is both achievable and practical.

My focus will continue to be on persuading more Albertans—not merely speaking to those who already agree with us.

At the same time, I will continue encouraging Premier Danielle Smith and the UCP government to pursue meaningful structural and constitutional reforms without delay.

That means demanding statutory and structural changes in Ottawa that address Alberta’s fundamental weakness within Confederation, including:

• reforming equalization;

• securing the immediate repeal of the remaining nine federal laws damaging Alberta;

• requiring Ottawa to respect the constitutional division of powers and Alberta’s exclusive areas of jurisdiction;

• insisting that the federal government comply with the Alberta Court of Appeal’s latest ruling concerning the unconstitutional Impact Assessment Act; and

• defending the resource-development rights Peter Lougheed secured for Alberta under section 92A of the Constitution.

Alberta needs more than temporary political promises.

We need structural reforms that create lasting economic certainty and protect future generations from another National Energy Program, another series of laws like those imposed under Justin Trudeau, or a new federal export tax on Alberta oil arising from the current trade dispute with the United States.

I do not personally support creating a separate independence party at this time.

I do not believe gathering people who already support independence into a smaller political party will persuade the majority of Albertans who remain uncertain that independence is the right and achievable path.

Instead, I intend to continue supporting Premier Smith and the UCP while strongly encouraging them to expand Alberta’s autonomy and pursue genuine structural reform.

I also believe it is essential that the UCP remain a broad conservative coalition.

I encourage Premier Smith to make it clear that Albertans who believe our province has a more prosperous future as an independent nation have a welcoming place within the party. Supporting independence should not exclude anyone from contributing to the conservative movement or working toward our shared goals.

At the same time, I encourage Alberta independence advocates to recognize the importance of maintaining conservative unity and working with the UCP to prevent an NDP government from taking office. Such an outcome would risk setting back the progress we have made and delay another referendum for many years.

We can continue advocating for independence, growing public support and making our case to Albertans while remaining united in our determination to defeat the NDP in the next provincial election. These objectives are not mutually exclusive.

In my view, this is the most realistic path toward greater freedom for Alberta—and potentially toward independence in the future if Ottawa remains unwilling to undertake meaningful reform.

Monday’s result was not the destination, but neither was it a defeat of the idea.

More than 500,000 Albertans have given us a strong foundation upon which to build.

Our responsibility now is to remain united, learn from the campaign, improve our case and earn the confidence of more Albertans.

This chapter has ended.
The work of building a freer, stronger and more prosperous Alberta continues.”