Albertans celebrate Canada Day amid growing division

As Canada marks its 158th birthday, celebrations across Alberta are tinged with concern, as a new poll shows the province is the least optimistic in the country about Canada’s future — and questions of national unity are again making headlines.

A recent Angus Reid poll found that only 47 per cent of Albertans say they are optimistic about the country’s direction, making it the only province where a majority feel otherwise. By contrast, more than 60 per cent of respondents in Manitoba, Quebec and Atlantic Canada reported a positive outlook.

Despite this, many Albertans at Canada Day celebrations in Edmonton expressed deep pride in their country.

“Canada is the place where you wanna raise your family,” said Nick, attending the festivities downtown. “It’s got an incredible multicultural community — something I’m very, very proud of.”

“Yeah, we have our ups and downs,” added Michael, another attendee. “But I think it’s the best country to live in and I personally wouldn’t give it up for anything.”

Still, concerns around separation and Alberta’s place in Confederation remain prominent. Former Alberta deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk recently launched a petition to show public support for national unity. The petition asks a straightforward question: Do you agree that Alberta should remain in Canada?

“Our petition was filed first. It was approved first, so that would be the only petition,” said Lukaszuk. “That will be the only referendum question.”

He attributes Alberta’s pessimism to political rhetoric.

“I’m not surprised,” he said. “When you have a premier and government that’s continuously focused on telling Albertans how they’re being victimized by everybody — how things are terrible in Alberta because of the rest of Canada — this is where Albertans start wondering about the future.”

On Friday, just days before Canada Day, the Alberta government announced plans to formalize new rules that would lower the threshold required to initiate province-wide referendums — including one on separation. The timing, Lukaszuk said, was striking.

“The fact that Danielle Smith chose United States Independence Day to make it easier for separatists to launch their referendum is telling in itself,” he said.

But many Albertans at the celebrations said they reject the idea of leaving Canada.

“Look around you — Albertans love to be part of Canada,” said David, a lifelong Edmontonian. “We love this country. We love Toronto and Montreal and the Maritimes and B.C. I’m not feeling this division.”

Children also chimed in with their own takes.

“This is a great place and everybody loves it,” said Levi.
“I’m just happy that we could be here,” added Caleb.

Alejandra, a newcomer to Canada, shared her perspective.

“This is a country where people come from all over the world to create a mosaic culture where everyone belongs,” she said.

For some, separation isn’t just a political question — it’s also about identity and shared responsibility.

“We don’t want to be American,” said Brittany. “We don’t want to be the 51st state.”

Mallory Youngway, founder of Indigenous Box, said Alberta must remember its history and shared responsibilities.

“Politically, Alberta needs to recognize that they are on treaty land and that the First Peoples here are all about collaboration and working together,” said Youngway. “It’s important that we remain as a collective and that we work together to build the future.”