EDMONTON — The leader of Alberta’s flagship federalist referendum campaign is urging Albertans to keep in mind the privileges the Canadian military affords them after tragedy struck yesterday in the province. Four military members were killed and dozens more seriously injured following a violent fire at CFB Wainwright, a massive military training base about 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton. Thomas Lukaszuk, leader of the Forever Canadian group, told pro-unity demonstrators at the legislature it was a “difficult day” to hold a rally, but it’s because of soldiers training across the country that Albertans are able to gather in protest. Attendees waved Canadian flags strapped to hockey sticks, wore red and white, and hoisted signs denouncing Premier Danielle Smith’s referendum and encouraging Albertans to “fight back!” Tomorrow, voters go to the polls to decide if Alberta should stay in Canada or if it’s time for a second, binding referendum on leaving Confederation. The rally, spearheaded by the Alberta Federation of Labour, comes a day after separatists assembled at the legislature with blue Alberta flags to cheer for independence. On Sunday, Federation leader Gil McGowan led the crowd in a moment of silence for first responders and those killed or injured in Wainwright. He said fellow Canadians responded to the call for help when it came. “That’s why we are stronger together in one Canadian federation,” he said to cheers and applause. Premier Smith has said she wants Alberta to remain in Canada, but the vote was necessary to finally put the question of independence to rest. Polls across the province will be open Monday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Results on the independence question are expected to start trickling out in the wee hours of Tuesday morning. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 18, 2026. Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press
