Last week I attended what I suppose you’d call an information rally hosted by the Alberta Prosperity Project (APP) in Calgary. It was an eye-opening experience, encouraging in some ways, but not without its disappointments. Let me explain.
The venue had a capacity of around 1,000 people, and it was packed to the rafters. That alone was heartening. It confirmed to me that the sovereignty movement in Alberta is no longer just a whisper among a fringe few, it’s becoming something tangible. People are motivated. They’re willing to take time out of their day to show up, to listen, and to learn.
Demographically, the crowd was mostly white and middle-aged or older, but I was glad to see some ethnic diversity and a few younger folks in the mix. Overall, the makeup of the crowd gave me hope. There’s energy here.
When the event kicked off, the host expressed her excitement at the turnout. She mentioned how APP events once drew fewer than ten people. That’s real progress. But then she added something that left a sour taste: she said that normally they would open in prayer, but due to the number of non-Christians in attendance (how she could possibly know that, I have no idea), they would skip it this time.
Disappointing. Nothing like asking God to bless your efforts, and then ignoring Him when He shows up. That’s not how covenant works. Proverbs 3:6 says, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” We can’t plead for God’s favour in private and then snub Him in public. If we’re not willing to be identified with Christ when the crowd grows, what exactly are we trying to build?
That said, the speakers themselves were engaging and passionate. Their frustrations with the federal Liberals, and with those who keep voting them in, were echoed throughout the evening. They talked about our lopsided place in Confederation, and how little our interests seem to matter in Ottawa. These are all legitimate concerns, and they need to be voiced. Many Albertans simply don’t understand the depth of the problem. These events help close that gap.
But here’s the challenge: if we’re going to advance the cause of Alberta sovereignty, we need more than just a list of grievances. We need a vision. We must be able to say, with clarity and conviction, what we’re for, not just what we’re against.
We have so much to offer. We have abundant resources, industrious people, and a deeply rooted spirit of independence. Let’s build on that. Let’s stop bleating ad nauseam about the injustices (as real as they are) and start painting a picture of what Alberta could be. People are drawn to hope and courage, not just outrage and despair.
I met a lovely senior lady from Newfoundland, she’s lived in Alberta for thirteen years. She was one of the most enthusiastic people in the crowd, completely sold on the idea of Alberta going its own way. “Good riddance,” she said. How refreshing. No cynicism, no bitterness. Just resolve.
There’s been some online chatter (not from this event, to be clear) about whether those not born in Alberta should be allowed to vote in a referendum. I think that would be a serious mistake. Frankly, I’ve found that the people who love Alberta the most, the ones willing to work, contribute, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us, are often the ones who chose to come here. They see Alberta for what it is: a place of opportunity, resilience, and freedom. Bring them in. Let them fight alongside us.
More of these APP meetings are coming in the weeks ahead. If you care about Alberta’s future, whether or not you support separation, you owe it to yourself to get informed and get involved. The worst thing we can do is sit idly by.
And as for our critics (Nenshi, Jann Arden, et al.), every time they open their mouths to mock the movement, they only fan the flame. Let them. Meanwhile, we need to stay calm, stay rational, and stay focused.
We’ve got work to do.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 