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(Image Credit: Forever-canadian.ca)
By Jesse Gill
Referendum

Forever Canadian shifts focus to voter turnout ahead of Alberta referendum

Sep 22, 2026 | 8:11 AM

Forever Canadian says it is shifting its focus to voter turnout as Alberta’s provincial referendum approaches, launching a “Get Out the Vote” campaign across the province.

The movement says the change comes in response to demand from volunteers and supporters, with fewer than 30 days remaining before the referendum.

Forever Canadian has repeatedly called on Premier Danielle Smith to cancel or postpone the referendum, which the group describes as divisive, complex and costly.

Thomas Lukaszuk, a former deputy premier and spokesperson for Forever Canadian, said the organization is now focusing on mobilizing voters.

“It is now evident the Premier will not do what is best for Alberta or Canada,” Lukaszuk said in a statement from the group.

“Our supporters and volunteers have demanded decisive action. Over this final month, Forever Canadian will be on the ground in every corner of the province to counter rising misinformation, explain the mechanics of the ballot questions, and ensure pro-unity Albertans turn out to safeguard our shared future.”

The campaign says they have gathered nearly half a million petition signatures in support of keeping Alberta in Canada.

The shift follows a unity concert in Calgary that Forever Canadian says drew more than 10,000 people.

The event featured Jann Arden and other local artists.

The organization says thousands of volunteers subsequently called for clear voting guidance ahead of the ballot.

“We know the vast majority of Albertans support a strong, united Canada,” Lukaszuk said.

“That is why we are advising voters to select Option 1 on Question 10 to keep our province firmly in Canada. Given the complexity of the ten referendum questions, Forever Canadian is stepping forward to ensure voters have the clarity needed to protect our economic and political stability.”

Forever Canadian says more than 80,000 “Choose Unity” lawn signs are now displayed across Alberta.

The group’s unity bus tour has also travelled nearly 40,000 kilometres, visiting towns, hamlets and cities across the province.

Albertans can now find where to vote in the Oct. 19 referendum, with Elections Alberta publishing locations for more than 1,400 polling stations.

Voters can use the Elections Alberta website to find their station by address, or wait for their Where to Vote card.

Advance voting runs Oct. 13 to 17, with 310 stations available.

Officials are expecting a record turnout.

by Jesse Gill