Alberta Prosperity Project
5 days ago
By now you've likely heard that an Alberta judge has quashed the Chief Electoral Officer's approval of our citizen initiative petition for an Alberta independence referendum.
I want to be clear with you from the outset: we were expecting this decision, and we were preparing for it. We are going to appeal.
This is an attack on democracy. The court ruling has effectively limited the ability of ordinary citizens to petition their own government — and that should concern every single Albertan, regardless of how you feel about independence itself. Jeff Rath, our legal counsel, has been clear: the decision appears on its face to violate principles of natural justice and contains numerous errors of law. We have already instructed him to prepare and file the appellate documents.
Let's put this in perspective. Quebec has held two full referendums on sovereignty — in 1980 and 1995. Yet when Albertans simply ask for one democratic vote on our future, unelected judges step in to shut it down. This is David versus Goliath. The establishment is doing everything they can to stop the will of the people, because they understand exactly what is at stake for their purse strings: Between $47 and $57 billion a year continuing to leave this province for the next hundred years IF NOTHING CHANGES.
They are going to do everything they can to stop this. And we are going to do everything we can to make sure it happens.
Here is what I need you to hear: hiccups and obstacles have been part of this entire process from day one. This is simply the newest one. We knew this was a possibility. This is not a defeat — this is a spurious decision by a single judge that we will challenge through the proper channels.
And please, do not for one second believe that the work you did was for nothing. Thousands of you spent countless hours and resources collecting signatures over four months. In organizing the petition operations, Stay Free Alberta rigorously followed every rule, fought through a hostile environment, and delivered those petitions on May 4th. 301,620 signatures is the message and no one can take that away. It does not change whether the courts try to set it aside or not. You showed the Premier and the Government of Alberta that there are hundreds of thousands of Albertans with the courage to stand up and demand a vote on our future. And many, many more support having that referendum even if they didn't sign.
You should be proud of all that we have accomplished as a community of sincere and committed Albertans fighting for a better future.
Now, more than ever, is the time for all of us to come together and coordinate effectively on the path forward. We need to stay cool. We need to stay focused. And we need to stay engaged.
Here is how you can make a real impact right now:
Sign up as a volunteer with the Alberta Prosperity Project. We are building the largest grassroots political community in modern Canadian history, and we need you in it. Whether you can give an hour a week or ten, whether you're a seasoned organizer or brand new to this — there is a role for you. Visit our website and sign up today.
There is also a rally being planned — the mother of all rallies. We are finalizing the location now and it will take place in the next couple of weeks. I want to see 100,000 Albertans there or more. This will be our moment to show the Government of Alberta, in person and in numbers, exactly who we are and what we want. Stay tuned for the date and location.
Under Section 1 of the Referendum Act, Premier Smith's government can call this referendum vote. We have sent a very strong mandate of 301,620 signatures. The decision now rests with the Premier and I believe she can do the right thing here.
Will there be a vote on independence this October? Yes. I believe there will be...
But only if we show up. Our power is in our numbers. That is what will win this.
Last week, Alberta made history.
Over 301,620 Albertans signed the petition calling for a referendum on Alberta independence, far surpassing the 177,732 signatures required. It was a powerful demonstration that Albertans are ready to have a real conversation about our future and our place within Confederation.
Now, Ottawa is reminding us exactly why this movement matters.
The federal government’s continued attacks on lawful firearms owners once again show how disconnected Ottawa has become from the values, culture, and priorities of everyday Albertans. Policies imposed from the top down, without respect for Alberta’s voice, continue to deepen the divide between our province and the federal government.
Albertans are tired of being ignored.
Tired of being overruled.
Tired of having our industries, livelihoods, and way of life targeted by politicians thousands of kilometres away.
The petition milestone was historic! But this is only the beginning.
We are now awaiting the start of the official verification phase, which will determine whether the referendum question proceeds to a province-wide vote in October 2026. The months ahead will be critical as Albertans continue building momentum, raising awareness, and preparing for what could become one of the most important democratic moments in our province’s history.
The Alberta Prosperity Project remains committed to educating Albertans, fostering discussion, and ensuring people have the information they need to make an informed decision about Alberta’s future.
An informed public changes history.
Your support today helps us continue that work through public engagement, outreach, education initiatives, events, and province-wide advocacy efforts.
The momentum is building. With hundreds of thousands of signatures already delivered, we’re entering the final phase before this fall’s referendum on Alberta’s future.
This is our home stretch — and we need your help to make sure every Albertan hears the full story about why more autonomy and control over our own resources, economy, and destiny truly matters.
We’re up against well-organized opposition. The Alberta NDP has been actively campaigning against Alberta independence, distributing materials that emphasize risks and uncertainty. Their door-to-door efforts are professional and data-driven, as one of our supporters recently experienced in Windermere.
We respect that everyone has a voice in this important conversation. But to ensure our positive vision for Alberta is heard just as loudly, we need to match their energy with strong grassroots outreach of our own.
Your support right now will help us:
Reach more households with factual information about Alberta’s potential
Counter fear-based messaging with clear, hopeful alternatives
Organize and mobilize supporters in these final critical months
Prepare strong get-out-the-vote efforts for the referendum
Whether you can give $25, $50, $100, or any amount — every contribution makes a real difference in this decisive phase.
Donate Securely Today → Consider making a donation of $10, $25, $50 or $200 today.
Alberta Prosperity Project is fully committed to operating within all Elections Alberta rules and guidelines. All donations are processed transparently and in full compliance with provincial regulations.
This is about building a better future for our province — one where Alberta’s families, workers, and communities can thrive. Your generosity helps us stay organized, visible, and effective right through to referendum day.
Thank you for standing with Alberta.
For a more prosperous Alberta,
Mitch Sylvestre & the Alberta Prosperity Project Team
P.S. The next few months will determine the strength of our message heading into the referendum. If you believe Alberta deserves better, please chip in what you can today.

Every parent asks the same question: What kind of future will my children inherit?
Will they build a life close to home, or will they be forced to leave Alberta for work? Will they afford a home, raise a family, build security?
For too long, Alberta families have watched their wealth flow east. $244.6 billion more than we've received back since 2007.
And now parental rights are eroding. Federal policies increasingly intrude on family decisions: what schools teach, how children are raised, and values that were once the parent's domain.
A sovereign Alberta constitution would guarantee: Parents’ right to raise their children according to their values.
The Alberta Prosperity Project is funded by supporters like you. Help us educate Albertans about sovereignty. Consider making a donation today:

Imagine a Canada where religious expression loses its legal protection.
Where a pastor's sermon could face legal scrutiny without the automatic shield that once existed.
This isn't hypothetical. It's happening now.
Bill C-9, fast-tracked through a political deal with the Bloc Québécois, would remove the religious exemption from hate-speech laws. That means religious statements could face legal challenges without the protection previously available.
And there's more. In December 2024, a federal committee recommended removing "advancement of religion" as a charitable purpose. Over 40% of Canada's charities could be affected.
But there is a path forward.