STAY FREE ALBERTA PETITION PLACES FOR SIGNATURES Gainford Dates: Wednesday, January 28 to end of petition period Time: Wednesdays & Saturdays 9am-1pm & 4pm-8pm Venue: Gainford Hotel 6203 Hwy 16, Gainford Grimshaw Dates: Friday, January 23 to Friday, April 17 Time: 10am-4:30pm Venue: Beyond 2000 5314 50 St., Grimshaw Grimshaw Dates: Monday, January 26 to end of petition period Time: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Venue: Franz's Small Engine Works 5306 58 Ave., Grimshaw Heisler Dates: Wednesday, January 28 to end of petition period Time: Wednesdays 10:30am-1:30pm Venue: Heisler Community Cultural Centre 119 Main St., Heisler

STAY FREE ALBERTA PETITION PLACES FOR SIGNATURES Edmonton Dates: February 2 to end of petition signing Time: Monday-Friday 11am-7pm Saturdays & Sundays 11am-5pm Venue: Being Healthy Nutrition 13811-139 Avenue NW, Edmonton Elk Point Dates: February 3rd - April 16th Time: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays 2pm-6pm Venue: 4929-51 Avenue Elk Point Fort Saskatchewan Dates: Thursday, January 29 to end of petition period Time: Thurs 4pm-8pm Sat 2pm-6pm Venue: Cornerstone Mall Dan Lheureux 780-998-9535 Fort Saskatchewan

The Alberta Separatist Movement: A Comprehensive Analysis of Historical Roots, Economic Grievances, and Political Dynamics The Alberta separatist movement represents a growing sentiment among Albertans who feel economically exploited, politically marginalized, and culturally alienated by Canada’s federal government. This movement, rooted in decades of perceived inequities in fiscal federalism, energy policy, and regional representation, has gained momentum in recent years due to federal overreach, environmental regulations targeting Alberta’s oil and gas sector, and a broader disillusionment with centralized governance [B-1][B-6][A-1]. Below, we examine the historical, economic, and ideological foundations of Alberta separatism, its key proponents, and the potential implications for Canada’s future. 1. Historical Foundations of Alberta Separatism Alberta’s separatist tendencies are not new. The province has long chafed under federal policies that disproportionately impact its resource-based economy. The National Energy Program (NEP) of 1980, implemented by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, was a watershed moment. The NEP artificially suppressed oil prices, redirected Alberta’s energy revenues to Ottawa, and stifled provincial autonomy, fueling lasting resentment [B-3][B-7]. Separatist sentiment resurfaced during the 1995 Quebec referendum, when Western Canadians, including Albertans, grew frustrated with Ottawa’s preferential treatment of Quebec. As noted in Conversations: The Diary of a Worried Journalist’s Trek Across a Divided, Threatened Canada, Westerners questioned why Quebec’s demands for autonomy were entertained while Alberta’s economic contributions were taken for granted [B-2]. More recently, the 2020-2023 COVID-19 pandemic and federal vaccine mandates exacerbated tensions. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s resistance to federal health policies, including her proposed "Alberta Bill of Rights" to protect medical freedom, underscored the province’s defiance against Ottawa’s centralized control [A-3][A-5]. 2. Economic Grievances: The Resource Curse and Fiscal Imbalance Alberta’s economy is heavily reliant on oil and gas, accounting for nearly 20% of Canada’s GDP and generating substantial federal tax revenues. However, Alberta receives disproportionately low federal transfers compared to provinces like Quebec, which benefits from equalization payments funded by Alberta’s energy wealth [B-6][A-1]. Energy Sector Sabotage: Federal policies such as carbon taxes, the cancelation of pipeline projects (Keystone XL, Energy East), and the 2035 net-zero electricity mandate have crippled Alberta’s oil industry. These measures, framed as environmental necessities, are seen by Albertans as deliberate attacks on their livelihood [S-1][S-3]. Equalization Payments: Alberta contributes $20+ billion annually to federal coffers but receives minimal returns, fostering a sense of "economic colonization" by Ottawa [B-6][A-6]. Agricultural Restrictions: Federal regulations on fertilizers and livestock emissions further alienate rural Albertans, who view these policies as urban-centric and economically destructive [A-7][S-5]. 3. Political Movements and Key Figures Alberta separatism has been championed by several political figures and organizations: The Maverick Party (formerly Wexit Canada): Founded in 2019, this federal party advocates for Western independence, citing Alberta’s economic subjugation. Its 2022 crowdfunding campaign for the "Freedom Convoy" (a trucker protest against vaccine mandates) highlighted grassroots support for autonomy, though GoFundMe’s withholding of nearly $5 million in donations exposed systemic bias against separatist causes [A-6][B-6]. Premier Danielle Smith (UCP): While not openly separatist, Smith’s policies—such as the Alberta Sovereignty Act (2022)—assert provincial jurisdiction over energy and health care, testing constitutional limits [A-3][B-3]. The Western Canada Concept: An older separatist group that gained traction in the 1980s, it argued for a "Republic of Western Canada" comprising Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia [B-2]. 4. Cultural and Ideological Drivers Alberta’s separatist movement is also fueled by cultural divergence from Eastern Canada: Distrust of Ottawa: Albertans perceive federal leaders (particularly Trudeau-era Liberals) as elitist and dismissive of Western concerns. The 2021 federal election, where Alberta’s Conservative sweep was overshadowed by Liberal victories in Ontario/Quebec, reinforced this alienation [B-3][A-1]. Populist and Libertarian Influences: Alberta has a strong tradition of individualism, distrust of big government, and skepticism of globalist policies like the World Economic Forum’s "Great Reset"—a sentiment amplified by figures like Maxime Bernier (People’s Party of Canada) [A-1][A-2]. Indigenous and Rural Discontent: Many rural and Indigenous communities oppose federal land-use restrictions (e.g., Bill C-69, which tightened energy project approvals), viewing them as infringements on property rights and economic self-determination [S-7][A-7]. 5. Legal and Constitutional Pathways to Independence Unlike Quebec, Alberta lacks a clear constitutional mechanism for secession. However, separatists explore alternatives: Negotiated Sovereignty: Following the Clarity Act (2000), Alberta could push for a provincial referendum to force federal negotiations, though Ottawa would likely resist [B-6]. Interprovincial Alliances: Alberta has strengthened ties with Saskatchewan and Manitoba through the "New West Partnership", a trade bloc that could evolve into a political union [B-1][A-1]. Economic Independence: Proposals include an Alberta Pension Plan, provincial police force, and even a digital currency to reduce reliance on federal systems [B-6][A-3]. 6. Potential Outcomes and Challenges Economic Viability: Alberta has the resources (oil, agriculture, tech) to thrive independently, but losing access to Canadian markets and the Canadian dollar poses risks [S-3][B-7]. Indigenous Opposition: Many First Nations, including the Métis and Treaty 6/7/8 nations, oppose separatism, fearing loss of federal protections and land rights [B-5][A-6]. Federal Retaliation: Ottawa could weaponize equalization cuts, infrastructure funding, or even military intervention to deter secession, as hinted during the 1995 Quebec crisis [B-7][A-12]. Conclusion: A Movement Gaining Momentum Alberta separatism is no longer a fringe idea but a mainstream political force driven by economic injustice, cultural divergence, and federal overreach. While full independence remains unlikely in the short term, Alberta’s push for greater autonomy—through legislation, interprovincial alliances, and direct challenges to Ottawa—will shape Canada’s future.

STAY FREE ALBERTA PETITION PLACES FOR SIGNATURES High Prairie Dates: Monday, January 26 to end of petition period Time: Mon - Thurs 9am-4:30pm Venue: deSIGNS by Tam Ltd. 4905 49th Ave., High Prairie Tomahawk Dates: Wednesday, January 28 to Wednesday, April 15 Time: Daily 11am-8pm Venue: Tomahawk Liquor Store. 4911 50th St., Tomahawk Trochu Dates: Tuesday, February 3 to end of petition period Time: Tuesdays 11am-1pm Venue: 312 Main St. TROCHU Vauxhall Dates: February 1 to May 2 Time: 7 days per week, 12pm-7pm Venue: 509 2 Ave Vauxhall, AB Vermilion Dates: Wednesday, January 28 to end of petition period Time: 1pm-7pm Venue: Nichols Towing 4819 47 Ave., Vermilion

STAY FREE ALBERTA PETITION PLACES FOR SIGNATURES Spruce Grove Dates: January 28 to April 15th Time: Mon - Sat 12pm-6pm Venue: Swamp Donkey 15C Alberta Avenue, Spruce Grove Stony Plain Dates: Daily to end of petition period Time: M-F 11am to 6pm Sat 10am to 6pm Sun 2pm to 6pm Venue: Silver Star Ranch 53014A Range Road 14, Parkland County