Sudbury climate activist attends Alberta’s referendum

Cathy Orlando, director of Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada, arrived in Calgary on Thursday. Orlando, along with the local chapter of her organization, has participated in a number of rallies and events leading to Monday’s vote. (Photos courtesy of Cathy Orlando)

A climate activist from Sudbury has been in Calgary for the last few days ahead of Alberta’s historic referendum.

Cathy Orlando, director of Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada, arrived in Calgary on Thursday. Orlando, along with the local chapter of her organization, has participated in a number of rallies and events leading to Monday’s vote.

While the referendum doesn’t directly mention climate change, given the ongoing political climate, she said she felt it was important to be there.

“We are in very dangerous times, and this referendum couldn’t have come at a worse time, trying to divide Canada while we’re in a climate crisis,” Orlando said.

“While we have what’s happening south of the border, breathing down our necks felt very wrong. And my gut feeling is being affirmed that I’m not alone. And a lot of Albertans get it, too.”

Implemented by Premier Danielle Smith, the referendum asks 10 questions touching on immigration, health care and concluding with whether Albertans want to start the legal process to separate from Canada.

Actual separation would require a second referendum.

Nelson Wiseman, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Toronto, said it’s not an easy process.

“Incidentally, even if we had another referendum, that doesn’t mean you’ve separated,” Wiseman said.

“According to the Supreme Court of Canada, you have to negotiate with the federal government and all the provinces … Plus, now the courts are saying, ‘Hey, Indigenous people are involved. They have treaties, and the treaties are with the Alberta government. They’re with the Crown.’”

Orlando said the response has been largely positive in favour of Alberta staying with Canada.

“A few people have said I’ve already voted no to staying in Canada, and that’s fine. But the majority has been yes, we’re staying in Canada,” she said.

“We’ve been wearing our red and white Canada (T-shirts). And we just get thumbs up all over the place. So it’s been super positive.”

Wiseman said he believes the referendum will be defeated, and that the impact won’t be from the referendum itself.

“The question is what the margin will be. Will it be defeated by 75 per cent? Seventy-eight per cent? But it’s going to be defeated,” he said.

Wiseman describes the referendum as a political gamble for Smith as she tries to manage her own party, adding it will be telling to see where her leadership goes from here.