'Slippery' questions: Referendum talk hits Canadian Club ahead of advanced voting

With advance voting in the Alberta referendum beginning Tuesday, former University of Alberta chancellor Peggy Garritty spoke to the Canadian Club of Edmonton this week about why her group is planning to vote for Alberta to remain in Canada.

Representing Before You Vote, a group formed by organizers behind the Forever Canadian petition, Garritty said that separating carries severe economic risks similar to Brexit and Quebec secession.

"Promises by the separatists amount to what I call magical thinking," she said.

She said, looking at recent studies from the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Alberta, that the notion of an independent Alberta being more prosperous doesn't add up.

Before voters get to the question of separation, they will first answer five questions on immigration and four on constitutional changes, which Garritty plans on voting no to.

She calls the immigration section "slippery," saying the questions seem logical but carry assumptions about immigration that can be misleading.

She said Canada's immigration system prioritizes economic immigration, and that immigration has declined more than 105 per cent since the first quarter of 2025.

"We're trying to fix a problem that's already being fixed," Garritty said.

She also takes issue with the questions asking whether access to social services should be limited for those without an "Alberta-approved immigration status," and if they should be required to pay a premium.

On the constitutional side of things, Garritty told the crowd many items, like abolishing the senate, would require unanimous consent from parliament and the other provinces. It's something she said is "almost impossible to imagine that any effort to abolish the senate would be successful."

Garritty acknowledged past unfair treatment toward Alberta, but believes dwelling on old grievances will not solve the province's current challenges.

"Instead, we believe Alberta has a unique opportunity to lead Canada," she said.

"This mentality of grievance has been fostered over decades by elected people, by others, as a way of promoting the province and trying to get leverage," Garrity said.

"But really, I think as a way of blaming someone else."

Advanced voting on the referendum opens up after the Thanksgiving long weekend and runs from 9 a,m, to 8 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday, Oct. 17.

Elections Alberta has mailed out information pamphlets on where to vote, and also provides an online tool to help people find nearby polling stations.

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