Large crowds gathered in Red Deer and Eckville, Alberta, to sign a petition advocating for the province's independence from Canada. The Stay Free Alberta campaign organized these events, aiming to collect 178,000 signatures within four months. The petition, led by Mitch Sylvestre, CEO of the Alberta Prosperity Project, received approval from Elections Alberta in December. The campaign's enthusiasm is evident, with over 2,000 canvassers and a growing number of supporters. Sara Moberg, a Red Deer resident, expressed a common sentiment, emphasizing the desire for change and a better future for her children. Tracy Worthington shared a similar motivation, hoping for independence and self-governance. Brandie Bowman, confident in the campaign's success, highlighted the widespread support across various towns and cities. Despite potential challenges, as suggested by Darwin Graff, the campaign's grassroots movement continues to gain momentum. The next signing events are scheduled for Okotoks, Drayton Valley, and the James River Bridge area, with over 20 events planned across the province in the coming weeks. However, the constitutionality of the referendum question is still a matter of debate, as a similar question was previously deemed unconstitutional by an Alberta judge. The 'Forever Canadian' petition, which aims to keep Alberta within Canada, has already gathered over 400,000 votes, presenting a contrasting viewpoint.
