Lukaszuk, Solberg, and Central Albertans react to 2026 Alberta referendum

Thomas Lukaszuk has put a lot of kilometres on his vehicle over the last year, leading up to the referendum.

He said that Albertans showed how proud they are to be Canadian through this vote.

“We are not folding as Forever Canadian. We will be opening up a new office in Edmonton, and we will be what I would call ‘trigger-ready’ if there is a need to continue campaigning for unity,” he shared.

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“I hope it doesn’t come to that because I don’t think this province, both economically and socially, can afford another divisive and painful referendum.”

Lukaszuk also remarked that the referendum was “worse than a waste of time.”

“It cost a minimum of $135 million, it divided Albertans, neighbours against neighbours, family against family, and showed the worst side of Alberta.”

Lukaszuk added that while he didn’t take on this campaign to get back into politics, “never say never.”

Monte Solberg, founder of Vote to Stay

The former MP for Medicine Hat, serving under then-Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper, showed up in Red Deer last Friday for an event headlined by current Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney.

After Jason Kenney and Rachel Notley, he is yet another example of how people came together during this campaign despite present or former party lines.

And he believes that’s how it should be.

“It should be the case that you band together when your country is facing a threat, whether it’s a threat of separation or Donald Trump making threats against you,” he stated.

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“At times like that, you want to see people who are dedicated to the good of Canadians banding together and finding solutions. We are [proud]; we started [the campaign] with no names, no money, just a few volunteers, and were able to put together a credible campaign.”

As far as the federal government proving it has Alberta’s back going forward, Solberg said Carney’s government must efficiently tackle the affordability crisis and solve the trade war with the U.S.

But, he added, it also must assess the current structure of Canadian federalism and how it can work more fairly for Albertans.

Ursella Khan, grew up and went to school in Red Deer

Ursella Khan, whom you may remember from this story rdnewsNOW reported on in 2017, is a graduate of Red Deer’s Lindsay Thurber High School.

Khan, whose family is of Pakistani-Canadian heritage, is happy that Albertans voted in droves and did so to remain in Canada; however, she has major concerns about the results of the referendum’s five immigration-related questions.

‘I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask whether immigration levels are sustainable or whether our public services have the capacity to support the people living here,” she said.

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“[But] governments have a responsibility to plan properly, and people deserve to see that planning reflected in their everyday lives. I do have concerns when immigrants become the explanation for every problem we’re experiencing, and [when] immigrants are the scapegoats.”

Khan added that she was disappointed to see those questions worded in such a way that it masked how they are, she agreed, rooted in racism.

Frank Creasey, CEO of Red Deer District Chamber of Commerce

Frank Creasey said the vote to stay in Canada was appreciated, and it should mean good things for the business community.

“The biggest thing for a business association, such as the chamber, is that there’s a lot of turmoil in the world right now. From an investment perspective, and there are two ways to look at it, investment [is needed] for current companies to grow, and expand into different markets,” he said.

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“But also new companies coming in, from across Canada or around the world; on both of those elements, we need predictability and stability.”

Creasey also called the referendum a confidence builder for our democratic systems, and for the direction of the province.

Dieulita Datus, executive director of Ubuntu-Mobilizing Central Alberta

For Dieulita Datus, who was born in Haiti, the experience of going through this referendum hit close to home.

Datus called the referendum intense and nerve-wracking, adding that even though she has lived here many years and considers herself an Albertan, she is still viewed largely as a newcomer or immigrant.

It’s disappointing how Albertans voted on the first five questions, she explained.

“It is sending a message to specific members of our community. It was interesting, especially because a lot of the questions were framed in a way to elicit a negative response, and they did what they were intended to do. I wish folks would’ve done more due diligence in finding and searching answers as to exactly how immigration operates in Canada and Alberta,” said Datus.

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“A lot of the questions lean towards showing that newcomers and immigrants are essentially being parasites to the community and not really putting into it, and that’s the opposite of what happens. We know those who are working here legally pay taxes, they support community efforts, they volunteer, and they are raising their family here.”

She said to put a price point on top of the taxes they do pay is unfair.

Cindy Jefferies, mayor of the city of Red Deer

rdnewsNOW published a story with Mayor Cindy Jefferies’ reaction on Tuesday.

In that conversation, Jefferies stated she was pleased with the result, but lamented the time, effort, energy and money that could’ve been spent on many more important and pressing matters.

“While I appreciate that everyone wanted their voices to be heard, I think we’ve missed focusing on other things while we’ve been doing this,” she said.

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“Canada is much stronger with Alberta in it, and Alberta is much better for being in Canada.”

Jefferies added that she wished the other nine questions on the referendum would’ve received more ‘no’ votes.

Jesse Smith, CEO of Tourism Red Deer

The CEO of Tourism Red Deer is understandably hard-pressed to wade into political waters, but Jesse Smith believes tourism can play a role in helping divided Albertans mend fences.

“Tourism is the economy of people, and the most amazing is when people have the opportunity to interact and intersect with one another,” said Smith, who entered his current role in 2023.

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“When I think about the opportunity our industry has, we have a role to play in welcoming people from all over the globe, and showcasing what we have to offer will organically bring people closer together.”

That starts with helping Red Deer host a tremendous World Juniors tournament this December and January, where the world will not just be watching, but be in attendance.

Burton Bailey, Member of Parliament for Red Deer

Speaking from Ottawa where the House of Commons is sitting this week, Bailey said he was glad so many Albertans voted.

Asked if he thought the referendum was necessary, he said that yes, it was, specifically to send a message to the federal government.

“We as Albertans needed to show the provinces and the federal government just what we contribute to Canada. Alberta’s voice has been heard loudly and clearly,” he opined.

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“Being part of this as an MP has really opened my eyes to the autonomy of Canada… so yes, it has changed my outlook. The one thing I’ve learned is that the Conservative Party of Canada will always support Alberta, [and] I don’t think this referendum would’ve happened had the Conservative Party won the 2025 election.”

Bailey also believes major projects would’ve begun by now, rather than signing MOU’s 18 months later, and that his party would’ve struck a trade deal with the United States.

“I look at the businesses that are suffering in Red Deer because we haven’t made a deal with the United States, and it appalls me.”

Bailey added Albertans need to unite now for a more prosperous future.

by Josh Hall

Lukaszuk, Solberg, and Central Albertans react to 2026 Alberta referendum

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