To stay or not to stay.
That is a question that may be answered in Red Deer this weekend.
Discussion leaders at Freedom Talk – a two-day event – will present arguments in favour of separatism (both for Alberta and Western Canada). Meanwhile, a second group will defend federalism, making the case for staying in Canada.
A third part of the event will focus on forging a stronger relationships with our neighbours – be it other provinces or the United States.
The Economic Education Association of Alberta, a think-tank, is organizing the sessions at the Cambridge Red Deer Hotel.
Association chairman Danny Hozack said the purpose of the event is not to just articulate the pros and cons of both sides, but to come up with a timeline for a referendum-style vote on separatism.
“We don’t want to have endless meetings and never get around to fixing anything, so we set a date for voting on separation,” said Hozack.
“That way, the separatists can say, ‘we want this to change and we want to make a decision,’ say, if it’s a year from today. And the federalists can say, ‘we can fix this country,’ and it gives them a year to show they’re sincere about fixing things.”
The all-volunteer group has speakers lined up from across Alberta, as well as other provinces and the U.S.
About 250 people have registered for the event. Hozack said the group hopes for about 300 people to attend.
For more information, or to register, visit freedomtalk.ca.
The province has experienced an increase in talk of separation since last month’s federal election.
A recent update from Wexit Alberta states a federal Wexit Canada Party has been registered to ensure allies in the House of Commons.
The post stated that in time, a provincial Wexit Alberta Party will be registered to ensure support in the legislature.
A Wexit rally is scheduled in Calgary this Saturday. A rally in Red Deer is scheduled for Nov. 30.
mamta.lulla@reddeeradvocate.com
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