Campaigns enter homestretch ahead of Alberta referendum Monday

Both sides holding rallies as federal leaders visit

After months of door-knocking, sign-raising and online debating, it’s the final weekend of campaigning in Alberta before the Oct. 19 referendum.

On Monday, Albertans will vote on 10 questions. Question 10 asks whether voters support Option 1: to remain in Canada, or Option 2: to hold a second, binding referendum on separation. The nine other questions focus on immigration and the Constitution.

Already, hundreds of thousands have cast their ballots in advance polls and via special ballots.

Premier Danielle Smith says she cast her ballot for Option 1. She told CBC Radio’s Calgary Eyeopener Thursday that she will spend time this weekend door-knocking in four different communities to encourage the same.

“We're going to be pretty busy all through the weekend making sure we get the vote out. I think high voter turnout will really give us a good idea of how Albertans really feel and that's what we're working on," Smith said.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is appearing at back-to-back rallies hosted by Forever Canadian in Calgary and Edmonton on Thursday and Friday, respectively.

“We are stronger together, and Canada’s worth fighting for. And fighting for is about showing up to vote,” Carney said after meeting with union workers in Calgary Thursday. “Polls don’t vote, people vote.”

Carney brings federalist push to Calgary ahead of Monday's Alberta referendum vote

Smith and Carney will appear at an event together in Red Deer, Alta., Friday morning hosted by the campaign Vote to Stay. Former Alberta premier Ed Stelmach is also set to attend.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who is also promoting a united Canada, will be in Calgary Friday to address the Canada Strong and Free conference.

Smith and former premier Jason Kenney will also both speak at the conference, where Confederation is expected to be a key topic of discussion.

Competing referendum signs line a boulevard in Calgary, Thursday, Oct. 15. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press)

On the separatist side, Let Alberta Decide, the campaign led by Keith Wilson and Tanya Clemens, will host an Alberta independence rally outside the legislature starting at 3 p.m. Saturday.

Other prominent separatists set to attend include Cory Morgan, Chris Scott and content creator Lawrence Magee, known online as Berta Proud Dad.

“We're inviting Albertans to come and show their support for constitutional change, for true structural reforms and come together in celebration of the progress we've made and send the message that we're serious, we're real and we need to see an improved relationship between Alberta and Ottawa,” said Wilson.

“Just creating that excitement and that energy going into the last full day of voting.”

Mitch Sylvestre, who heads the Alberta Prosperity Project which led the citizen petition drive for a separation vote, will speak Sunday evening at an online prayer session, according to the group’s website.

The Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) is hosting a day of protest province-wide Saturday to promote unity. It will also hold a rally at the legislature Sunday, moved from Saturday to avoid conflicting with Let Alberta Decide's rally.

Forever Canadian leader Thomas Lukaszuk and NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi are both set to address the crowd Sunday, according to the AFL.

Saturday is the final day to vote in advance polls. Polls open Monday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., though Elections Alberta says some locations may open longer if there are long lines.

Jennifer is a reporter with CBC Calgary. Previously, she worked for CTV News in Toronto. You can reach her at jennifer.keiller@cbc.ca

With files from Calgary Eyeopener and Jason Markusoff