From Edmonton to Red Deer: Why Alberta’s Push for Sovereignty is Gaining Steam

By Mindi Soren

As someone who has lived in Edmonton for most of my life, I’ve seen Alberta evolve—politically, economically, and culturally. But lately, there’s been a noticeable shift in public sentiment. Conversations in coffee shops, on social media, and even among neighbours have turned toward a provocative idea: Alberta needs a new direction—one that might involve going it alone. On May 24, that conversation moves to the center stage as the Republican Party of Alberta hosts a large-scale town hall at the Red Deer Resort & Casino.

I’m planning to attend—not because I’m fully sold on Alberta becoming independent, but because like many Albertans, I’m deeply frustrated. And it seems I’m not alone.

A Rising Movement: The Alberta Republicans

Originally known as the Buffalo Party, the Republican Party of Alberta has gained serious traction in the last six months. Rebranded earlier this year, the party now boasts over 20,000 members province-wide and is positioning itself as the political home for Albertans who feel ignored by Ottawa and disillusioned with the status quo in Edmonton.

Led by Cameron Davies, a passionate advocate for Alberta sovereignty, the party is hosting what they’re calling a landmark “Independence Town Hall” on Saturday, May 24, at the Red Deer Resort & Casino. The event features voices from across the sovereignty spectrum: legal scholar Bruce Hardy, commentator Rachel Parker, and historian Michael Wagner, among others. Doors open at 1:15 p.m., and the program kicks off at 2:00 p.m.

This isn’t just a fringe movement anymore. The town hall is expected to draw hundreds of people from across Alberta—including many like me who are frustrated, curious, and looking for a new path forward.

Why So Many Are Listening

If you’re not from Alberta, it’s easy to misunderstand the emotional undercurrent behind this push. People here aren’t just angry; they’re tired—tired of federal policies that seem to target our industries, tired of being treated like a colony for our resources, and tired of feeling unheard.

The Alberta Republicans’ platform taps into that fatigue. Their objectives include:

A binding referendum on Alberta’s independence from Canada

A non-binding referendum on joining the United States as a possible next step

A commitment to fiscal conservatism and a constitution modeled after American governance

The promotion of individual liberty, resource autonomy, and provincial self-reliance

It’s an ambitious, some say radical, platform—but to many Albertans, it doesn’t feel so far-fetched anymore.

Life in Edmonton: Watching the Divide Grow

From my vantage point in Edmonton, the push for sovereignty is more than just politics—it’s personal. We’ve seen job losses in the oil patch, watched provincial-federal bickering over pipelines, and endured carbon taxes that hit working families the hardest.

And while Premier Danielle Smith’s Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act offers a framework for resisting federal overreach, it stops short of the full autonomy many Albertans crave. That’s where the Alberta Republicans come in. They’re not mincing words: they want out.

As an Edmontonian, I’ve also noticed a cultural divide deepening between Alberta and the rest of Canada. While cities like Toronto and Vancouver debate equity and federal unity, Albertans are increasingly talking about independence, U.S.-style freedoms, and control over our own destiny. It feels like we’re speaking different languages.

The Red Deer Town Hall: A Turning Point?

The upcoming Red Deer event may mark a new chapter in Alberta politics. It’s not just a policy meeting—it’s a mobilization effort. The town hall will address the legal mechanics of independence, explore economic scenarios post-separation, and offer a vision for a sovereign Alberta.

For those of us who are undecided, the town hall is a chance to ask tough questions: Can Alberta survive on its own? What are the risks of breaking away? And is joining the United States even realistic—or desirable?

I don’t know the answers yet. But I do know that when hundreds of people from across the province gather to explore those questions, it means something is shifting in our collective psyche.

The Bigger Picture: Where Do We Go from Here?

Whether or not you support Alberta sovereignty, it’s hard to deny that something big is brewing. The Alberta Republicans are tapping into a deep well of discontent that’s been ignored for too long. And for many of us, the question isn’t whether to keep the current system—it’s whether we can afford to.

Will Alberta stay in Canada? Could it become a sovereign nation? Or even join the U.S.? These were once unthinkable questions. Today, they’re central to our political conversation.

As I pack my bag for Red Deer, I’m not sure what I’ll decide. But I know this: Alberta is at a crossroads. And it’s time we all start paying attention.

Mindi Soren is a freelance journalist and writer for Veritas Expositae

You can reach her at mindi.soren@veritasexpositae.com