A citizen-led campaign pushing for Alberta independence says it has delivered more than 300,000 signatures to Elections Alberta — enough to move the process to the next stage toward a potential referendum.
The initiative is being led by Stay Free Alberta, with Bonnyville resident and organizer Mitch Sylvestre at the centre of the effort.
Well over the required number
According to documents dated May 4, the campaign submitted 301,620 signatures, well above the 177,732 required under Alberta’s Citizen Initiative Act.
The group also says roughly 1,500 additional signatures are still in transit, which could push the total even higher.
The signature collection ran from January 2 to May 2, following the timelines set by Elections Alberta.
Grassroots effort across the province
The campaign points to a large volunteer base, including more than 7,000 canvassers who gathered signatures in communities across Alberta.
Organizers say many Albertans were eager to participate, though some had concerns about privacy or potential consequences tied to signing.
There were also claims that some canvassers faced pushback while collecting signatures.
Clear ask: let Albertans vote
The goal is straightforward — give Albertans a direct vote on the issue.
“Albertans have spoken,” Sylvestre said in a statement. “They showed up, volunteered, and participated in good faith to have their voices heard.”
The group is pushing for the question to be included on a referendum ballot as early as October 19, 2026.
What happens next
Reaching the signature threshold does not guarantee a referendum.
Elections Alberta must now verify the signatures, and that process could impact the final count.
From there, the provincial government will decide how the initiative proceeds and whether it goes to a public vote.
Why it matters here
This is a provincial issue with strong local ties.
With leadership connected to the Lakeland, the conversation around Alberta’s future, independence, and decision-making power is one many in this region are already paying attention to.
The bottom line
The petition has cleared a major hurdle — at least on paper.
Now it comes down to verification, and what the province decides to do next.
