By now you've likely heard that an Alberta judge has quashed the Chief Electoral Officer's approval of our citizen initiative petition for an Alberta independence referendum. I want to be clear with you from the outset: we were expecting this decision, and we were preparing for it. We are going to appeal. This is an attack on democracy. The court ruling has effectively limited the ability of ordinary citizens to petition their own government — and that should concern every single Albertan, regardless of how you feel about independence itself. Jeff Rath, our legal counsel, has been clear: the decision appears on its face to violate principles of natural justice and contains numerous errors of law. We have already instructed him to prepare and file the appellate documents. Let's put this in perspective. Quebec has held two full referendums on sovereignty — in 1980 and 1995. Yet when Albertans simply ask for one democratic vote on our future, unelected judges step in to shut it down. This is David versus Goliath. The establishment is doing everything they can to stop the will of the people, because they understand exactly what is at stake for their purse strings: Between $47 and $57 billion a year continuing to leave this province for the next hundred years IF NOTHING CHANGES. They are going to do everything they can to stop this. And we are going to do everything we can to make sure it happens. Here is what I need you to hear: hiccups and obstacles have been part of this entire process from day one. This is simply the newest one. We knew this was a possibility. This is not a defeat — this is a spurious decision by a single judge that we will challenge through the proper channels. And please, do not for one second believe that the work you did was for nothing. Thousands of you spent countless hours and resources collecting signatures over four months. In organizing the petition operations, Stay Free Alberta rigorously followed every rule, fought through a hostile environment, and delivered those petitions on May 4th. 301,620 signatures is the message and no one can take that away. It does not change whether the courts try to set it aside or not. You showed the Premier and the Government of Alberta that there are hundreds of thousands of Albertans with the courage to stand up and demand a vote on our future. And many, many more support having that referendum even if they didn't sign. You should be proud of all that we have accomplished as a community of sincere and committed Albertans fighting for a better future. Now, more than ever, is the time for all of us to come together and coordinate effectively on the path forward. We need to stay cool. We need to stay focused. And we need to stay engaged. Here is how you can make a real impact right now: Sign up as a volunteer with the Alberta Prosperity Project. We are building the largest grassroots political community in modern Canadian history, and we need you in it. Whether you can give an hour a week or ten, whether you're a seasoned organizer or brand new to this — there is a role for you. Visit our website and sign up today. There is also a rally being planned — the mother of all rallies. We are finalizing the location now and it will take place in the next couple of weeks. I want to see 100,000 Albertans there or more. This will be our moment to show the Government of Alberta, in person and in numbers, exactly who we are and what we want. Stay tuned for the date and location. Under Section 1 of the Referendum Act, Premier Smith's government can call this referendum vote. We have sent a very strong mandate of 301,620 signatures. The decision now rests with the Premier and I believe she can do the right thing here. Will there be a vote on independence this October? Yes. I believe there will be... But only if we show up. Our power is in our numbers. That is what will win this.
