A new flag was raised along the east side of Highway 2 in the DeWinton area in honour of what organizers’ hope is a new nation.
Members of Alberta4All raised a Republic of Alberta flag on Sept. 1.
“We are for Alberta independence, absolutely, to separate from Canada and become our own country,” said CW Alexander, executive director for Alberta4All.
The goal is to become the Republic of Alberta in 2023.
He said there are three fundamental problems that Alberta faces as a member of Canada. He said those concerns are: 1) Albertans are under represented in all levels of government; 2) political parties not representing the people and 3) the different economic issues between eastern Canada and Alberta.
“Alberta on its own can be a much better for our children over the long range,” he said.
Alexander said the proposal would have 87 republic societies across Alberta that would be “not left, not right, but non-partisan, elected representatives who will have the ability to actually manage their electoral ridings, rather than strictly complaint takers.”
He said it is important to unify all of the independent movements in Alberta, to potentially hold a majority government in 2023, the year of the next scheduled election.
“(Then) we can hold a referendum on independence,” Alexander said. “Once we have done that, we will have our independence day and at that point, we will have a two-year transition in which we will negotiate all of the necessary agreements, so that ultimately we can be recognized by international entities that we are our on country.”
He said one of the goals is to save Albertans billions of dollars. That saved money will be used to finance services such as police, military, tax collection and others.
“People have finally woken up and are saying enough is enough, we are tired of catering to the Eastern interests,” Alexander said.
During an Okotoks and District Chamber of Commerce meeting in November, Foothills MP John Barlow spoke strongly against Alberta separation, even though he understand Albertans’ frustrations.
He said separation would cripple Alberta.
He gave Montreal as an example in 1995 when it was the financial capital of Canada before the separation referendum.
That financial capital moved to Toronto.
“Quebec never separated, it was just the threat of separation,” said Barlow in November. “Political instability leads to economic instability.”
Both Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and newly-elected Conservative leader Erin O’Toole have stated they are federalist and want Alberta in Canada.
O’Toole, in his first press conference as leader on Aug. 25, said western alienation is a growing concern.
“On my first opportunity to speak to the Prime Minister, I raised my deep concerns about western alienation,” O’Toole said. “And a need for a plan to address real and serious national unity issues.
“Because western alienation is so significant a threat to Canada unity, I don’t believe we have even one day to spare.”
Alberta4All is hosting a town hall meeting on Sept. 26 at the Okotoks Elks Hall at 2 p.m. To register go to town hall.
