Forever Canadian Unity Bus setting up in Fort McMurray, August 13, 2026
FORT McMURRAY — A bus carrying a message of Canadian unity rolled into Fort McMurray Wednesday as the campaign against Alberta separation continues its tour of the province.
The Forever Canadian Unity Bus stopped in the community as part of a provincial tour promoting the Alberta Forever Canadian movement and distributing lawn signs supporting Alberta’s continued place in Confederation.
Hundreds of people turned out during the Fort McMurray stop to pick up signs and show their support for the campaign.
The tour comes as Alberta moves closer to an Oct. 19 referendum containing 10 questions on the province’s relationship with Ottawa, immigration, constitutional issues and Alberta’s future within Canada.
Alberta Forever Canadian was founded by former Alberta deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk and grew out of a citizen initiative petition asking Albertans, “Do you agree that Alberta should remain in Canada?”
According to Elections Alberta, 438,568 valid signatures were submitted, with 404,293 verified through statistical sampling. The petition required 293,976 signatures and was declared successful in December.
The movement has since continued campaigning across Alberta, with volunteers participating in local events, sign distribution and other activities.
Its pro-unity message has also attracted support from prominent political figures and organizations.
Former Alberta premier and federal cabinet minister Jason Kenney has become a prominent voice opposing separation and has participated in public debates on Alberta’s future in Canada.
Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi has also spoken against separation, while the Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta has formally partnered with Forever Canadian.
First Nations leaders have also strongly opposed Alberta separation, with the Assembly of First Nations arguing the separatist movement fails to account for treaty and constitutional obligations involving First Nations.
The debate will move to the ballot box Oct. 19 when Albertans are asked 10 questions stemming from the Alberta Next process.
The provincial government describes the referendum as an opportunity to reconsider Alberta’s relationship with Ottawa and the constitutional balance of power while pursuing greater provincial autonomy within a united Canada.
The final question on the ballot asks voters whether Alberta should remain a province of Canada or whether the provincial government should begin the legal process required to hold a binding referendum on separation.
Current polling suggests the pro-Canada side enters the campaign with a substantial lead.
The Writ’s Alberta Referendum Poll Tracker, updated July 17, found about two-thirds of Albertans would vote for the province to remain in Canada.
When undecided voters are removed, support for remaining in Canada rises to nearly three-quarters.
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