Local leaders share how they voted on separation referendum question

Option 1: Alberta should remain a province of Canada.

Option 2: The Government of Alberta should commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada.

MLA for Red Deer North and Alberta Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services, Adriana LaGrange, said in an emailed statement that she voted for Alberta to remain in Canada.

“I know many Albertans are frustrated after the last 10 years of policies from Ottawa under Justin Trudeau, but I also believe the tide is turning. Many of those policies have been scrapped or reformed, and we are already starting to see what is possible when Alberta and Canada work together,” she said.

She encouraged Albertans to do the same and to vote yes on the other questions.

“We have far more to gain by working together than by pulling apart, and I truly believe our greatest opportunities are still ahead of us,” LaGrange added.

rdnewsNOW made multiple attempts to obtain comment from Red Deer-South MLA Jason Stephan and Innisfail-Sylvan Lake MLA Devin Dreeshen, but did not receive a response.

Meanwhile, MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka Jennifer Johnson said she supports a strong Alberta within a united Canada.

“As the local MLA, I’ve heard from many constituents about the referendum – at the doorsteps, in my constituency office, and at community events. October 19 is a significant day for all Albertans, and they understand the importance of having their voices heard, no matter how they’re choosing to vote,” Johnson explained.

“Regardless of the outcome of the referendum, my focus has always been on the things that matter most to the people I represent. Albertans want good schools and health care, safe communities, and the opportunity to build a good life for themselves and their families. They want a bright future for their children and grandchildren, and so do I. That’ll continue to be my priority after October 19, just as it was before. I’ll keep standing up for Lacombe-Ponoka and working to ensure the next generation has every opportunity to succeed in our region and across Alberta.”

Red Deer city council weighs in

Red Deer Mayor Cindy Jefferies put out a joint statement in September with Eleanor Olszewski, the federal Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience.

Together they were united in keeping Alberta as a part of Canada.

“Alberta in Canada and Canada with Alberta … our country was built together by generations of hard work united by a shared commitment to Canada’s success. Alberta is at the heart of that success and is central to building our country strong.”

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Meanwhile, in emailed statements from councillors Adam Goodwin, Jaelene Tweedle, Tristin Brisbois, Cassandra Curtis, Dianne Wyntjes, and Bruce Buruma, each stated they voted for Alberta to remain in Canada.

Councillors Kraymer Barnstable and Chad Krahn did provide statements but did not indicate which way they voted.

Krahn said he voted in the advance polls last week and was pleased with how smooth and quick the process was. He was also in attendance at the Vote to Stay event with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Red Deer last Friday.

“As a Red Deer city councillor, my focus remains on the issues that bring our city together and on the practical work of local government that affects people’s daily lives,” Krahn said.

Barnstable said he “was happy to vote and exercise my democratic right.”

Buruma said the outcome of the referendum carried significant consequences and impact.

“The issues and concerns are real, but we need to find a more constructive way to make change,” he said.

Councillor Curtis indicated that while she recognizes that there are important issues and legitimate concerns that must be addressed, she believes the greatest opportunity for prosperity lies in working together as a united Canada.

“Through collaboration, constructive dialogue, and a shared commitment to finding solutions, we can address these challenges and build a stronger future for all Canadians,” she said.

Councillor Brisbois said there is a need to revisit equity in financial transfers and Albertans’ voice in Ottawa. Despite that, she said separation is not the answer.

“It will cost us far more in the end, and the uncertainty will cripple the economy. I believe we are indeed stronger as Canadians, but there is work to do,” she said.

Councillor Tweedle said the referendum has created division and heightened economic and investment risk, at a time when there are plenty of challenges from outside our own borders.

“With an estimated cost of $130 million for the referendum, I can’t help but think of the many ways that money could have been much better spent. When families are stretched thinner by the cost of living, classrooms and emergency rooms are crowded, and provincial funding to municipalities for infrastructure has fallen by close to two-thirds in the last 15 years, priorities stand to be questioned,” Tweedle said.

Councillor Goodwin said a united Canada is a stronger Canada.

“Also, the discussion around how Canada is run, and proper representation in all regions needs to be brought up. Is it worth leaving Canada? Not at this stage. Does Canada need work that federal governments won’t seem to acknowledge? Categorically, yes,” Goodwin stated.

“To me, this has been a great time to get understanding and be curious about both sides of the discussion. Some are energetic about Canada, and some are disillusioned. It’s time to listen and learn, not continue to exacerbate the polarization that is permeating society.”

by Ian Gustafson

Local leaders share how they voted on separation referendum question

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