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Supporters of Alberta separatism rally at the provincial legislation in Edmonton on Saturday, ahead of Monday’s vote on the issue.AHMED ZAKOT/The Globe and Mail
Dallas Pagenkopf stood at the front of the bus, looking over passengers dressed in deep-blue ball caps, hoodies and T-shirts.
More than a dozen provincial flags were neatly stacked below deck, next to Mr. Pagenkopf’s trolly cart stuffed with Alberta-themed car flags, caps and shirts. Dressed in denim and a leather vest, the 36-year-old took up a microphone and ran through the day’s itinerary.
“Oh, and last minute,” he said. “I’m selling some shirts and hats … I’ve got a bunch of different things. If you haven’t seen it, come grab me.
“It’s gonna be a great day.”
With that, the bus left the Home Depot parking lot in Airdrie, Alta., beginning the pilgrimage to Edmonton, where faithful Alberta separatists gathered for a final rally ahead of Monday’s referendum.
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Roughly 1,100 people gathered at the rally in Edmonton on Saturday, according to Alberta Sheriffs estimates.AHMED ZAKOT/The Globe and Mail
The bus was one of 11 ferrying people to the provincial capital for the Saturday afternoon rally organized by Let Alberta Decide, a pro-independence group created by lawyer Keith Wilson and rancher Tanya Clemens.
Alberta Sheriffs estimated roughly 1,100 people gathered at the foot of the Alberta Legislature, capping more than a year of efforts by separatists to galvanize support for independence through a province-wide petition and at multiple town halls.
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For the first time in the province’s history, Albertans will put secession to a vote on Monday – in this case, whether they wish to remain in Canada or have a second, binding separation referendum. More than a million residents have so far voted by mail or at advance polls.
Prime Minister Mark Carney campaigned in Calgary and Edmonton this week, packing convention centres in both cities as he urged people to vote to remain in Canada.
Several prominent separatists were on hand for Saturday’s rally, including Mr. Wilson, who spearheaded Let Alberta Decide’s campaign and raised $581,000 for the cause. Mitch Sylvestre and Jeffrey Rath, both with the Alberta Prosperity Project, attended the rally but weren’t part of the formal program.
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Separatists are not expected to prevail in Monday’s vote. Public-opinion polls have shown that support for separation has remained largely unmoved over the campaign, and sits between 20 and 30 per cent.
Mr. Wilson said Saturday that regardless of the result, the separatist movement is here to stay.
“We’re going to get stronger. We’re going to get smarter. We’re going to get more clear,” he said.
He was joined by long-time separatist and columnist Corey Morgan, who similarly suggested that the movement has planted itself in Alberta, even if federalists prevail.
“It takes growing a movement to make something that lasts, and it’s here now,” Mr. Morgan said.
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Aboard the bus to Edmonton, some supporters exhibited full-throated optimism going into Monday.
Debbie Mayhew sat in the back of the bus with her husband, Keith Brownlee. She said she’s seen polling online that shows 71-per-cent support for independence.
“I feel positive,” she said.
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Debbie Mayhew and Keith Brownlee on the bus to the rally hosted by ‘Let Alberta Decide.’AHMED ZAKOT/The Globe and Mail
The retired couple moved to Calgary four years ago; they spend half the year in Alberta and the winter in California.
Ms. Mayhew wanted to get away from the Ontario humidity, but said politics pulled her and Mr. Brownlee to Alberta.
“Danielle Smith sounded like a promise,” she said.
Her feelings toward the Premier have changed. Ms. Mayhew, a United Conservative Party member, thinks Ms. Smith, who supports Alberta remaining in Canada, should not have picked a side. Despite her displeasure, she doesn’t think the Premier should lose her job.
Ms. Mayhew said she appreciates Mr. Wilson’s temperament. She thinks Mr. Sylvestre, chief executive of the Alberta Prosperity Project, is a straight-shooter and would trust him to lead an independent Alberta. Most people she talks to agree.
“You never heard that?” she asked over the din of chatter.
A few rows up, Paul Bauman kicked his legs up on the empty seat next to him. He wore a shiny blue sweater with an Alberta flag across the front. He bought it on Amazon.
Mr. Bauman will be at the UCP annual meeting in late November. He thinks Mr. Wilson should be premier.
“Oh yeah. I bought my ticket so I can put Danielle out.”