Photo: Early arrivals marked the Stay Free Alberta independence petition in Donalda, with people gathering an hour before the event on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

A visit to Donalda on Tuesday night, Jan. 13, underscored the growing grassroots momentum behind Alberta’s independence petition, with people arriving more than an hour early and parking spilling onto side streets as vehicles circulated through a Christmas-lit main street looking for space. Inside the venue, the atmosphere was energetic and social, reflecting what registered canvassers described as strong turnout across smaller communities and hamlets, including about 1,000 people in Millet and roughly 1,500 in Bentley on Monday, Jan. 12.

Stay Free Alberta is advancing a citizen-initiated petition that could lead to a provincial referendum on Alberta leaving Canada, a process governed by Elections Alberta. The campaign, led by proponent Mitch Sylvestre, must collect approximately 177,000 valid signatures from eligible voters within a 120-day window that began Jan. 3, 2026. 

Only Albertans who are at least 18, are Canadian citizens and are ordinarily resident in the province may sign, and signatures must be provided in person on official paper forms, witnessed by registered canvassers who verify identity and residency using government-issued identification. Online or electronic signing is not permitted.

Public sentiment data suggest the issue is gaining traction. A Research Co. survey conducted Jan. 4 to 6 found 31 per cent of Alberta adults would support independence, compared with 62 per cent opposed and 7 per cent undecided, in an online sample of 703 respondents with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.7 percentage points. While limited in size, the results point to notable shifts since 2023, including a nine-point increase in support and higher backing among younger adults, particularly those aged 18 to 34. Support was relatively consistent in Calgary and Edmonton and slightly higher outside major urban centres.

Organizers and Elections Alberta have also warned of individuals falsely presenting themselves as canvassers in an apparent effort to collect personal information or to invalidate signatures. Legitimate canvassers must be registered with Elections Alberta, display official identification and personally witness each handwritten signature. Voters are encouraged to verify credentials and report suspicious activity to protect the integrity of the process.

With large turnouts also reported in urban centres, as reported by City News, organizers say the same level of engagement is being echoed in small towns across Alberta, where residents are seeking a fair and democratic way to register their views on the province’s future.  To find out more information see The Value of Freedom:  A Draft Fully Costed Fiscal Plan for an Independent Alberta.