A citizen-led petition advocating for Alberta to remain part of Canada has been verified by elections officials and is now headed to the legislature. Elections Alberta confirmed that over 400,000 signatures were collected, significantly exceeding the required minimum of 294,000 to trigger a plebiscite. This petition was initiated by former provincial deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk to counter growing separatist sentiments in the province.

Lukaszuk stated that he wants to affirm Alberta's identity as part of Canada. He expressed a preference for Premier Danielle Smith and other members of the legislature to publicly support this stance rather than hold a referendum. "My petition gives her the option to call my question in the legislature and let all MLAs freely vote and declare whether they believe that Alberta should remain in Canada or not," Lukaszuk said in an interview.

He voiced concerns that a referendum could deter business investment and deepen divisions among Albertans, who are already grappling with separatist feelings. "She can call a referendum, but I would advise her against that. Referenda on cases like this are too divisive," he added.

Since the petition collection period ended in late October, Lukaszuk has been preparing a campaign in case the provincial government opts for a referendum on Alberta's independence. He hopes this campaign will not be necessary.

Justice Minister Mickey Amery acknowledged the significant support for the petition, stating, "Congratulations on gathering so many signatures in support of remaining in Canada." He noted that now that the petition has been verified, the caucus and cabinet will discuss the next steps under the legislation.

The petition directly asks Albertans, "Do you agree that Alberta should remain within Canada?" The next phase will involve a government committee deciding whether to address the issue in the legislature or to put it to a public vote. Premier Smith's government has previously encouraged Albertans to stay in Canada, but it has also lowered the threshold for triggering a referendum, which has empowered separatist groups like the Alberta Prosperity Project to advance their own petitions for independence.