Full Breakdown
Forever Canadian Refocuses on “Remain” Campaign Ahead of Alberta Referendum
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Former Alberta deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk announced that the advocacy group Forever Canadian will shift from a broad “unity” message to a targeted campaign urging voters to support the “remain” option in the upcoming provincial referendum on Alberta’s status within Canada. The group, registered as a third-party advertiser in June, has so far raised $0 for referendum advertising, according to Elections Alberta’s website.
Background & Context
Forever Canadian has been active across Alberta for months, distributing lawn signs and holding events that promote Canadian unity. The organization previously led a petition that collected more than 400,000 signatures in favor of Alberta staying in Canada. Under Alberta election law, third-party advertisers may spend up to $607,000 on referendum advertising, but must file weekly reports detailing contributions and expenditures that relate to a specific referendum question.
Official Statements & Responses
Lukaszuk maintains that his group has complied with all election rules, noting that Elections Alberta previously concluded that Forever Canadian was not required to disclose financials because it had not taken an official stance on a referendum question. The agency later clarified that any advertising must aim to persuade electors on a specific question and that related income and expenses must be reported.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is not the time for complacency. Voter turnout is the most important thing at this point in time,” — Thomas Lukaszuk, a former deputy premier of Alberta
- “It’s very easy to believe polling and assume that we’re going to win, and if there’s a great hockey game on TV or perhaps it’s raining outside, to say ‘Ah, we’re going to win anyway, I don’t need to vote.’ That’s how you lose referenda.” — Thomas Lukaszuk, a former deputy premier of Alberta
- “He’s splitting hairs with the words and completely violating the spirit of the legislation,” — Morgan
- “I just very much feel that principle of playing on an equal playing field is pretty important, and I don’t think that’s been happening in this campaign so far,” — Morgan. Lukaszuk, a former deputy premier of Alberta