Coaldale residents send Premier Smith a patriotic message

Posted on September 4, 2025 by Taber Times

By Kristine Jean
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Coaldale residents are sending premier Danielle Smith a strong, patriotic message – they want Alberta to remain a part of Canada. 

Dozens of Coaldale residents came out to sign the Forever Canadian petition, when it made a stop at the Coaldale United Church on August 28. 

“It looks like a lot of people are willing to speak their mind and have their voices heard,” said Coaldale resident Lian Ober. “I just want Danielle Smith to know she does not speak for the majority of Albertans.”  

The petition is at the centre of the Alberta Forever Canada citizen initiative, put forth by former Progressive Conservative (PC) deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk, who filed the citizen initiative in June. Lukaszuk needs 294,000 signatures to have a referendum question included on a ballot. That question is asking Albertans “Do you agree Alberta should remain in Canada?”

The Forever Canadian campaign, to collect those signatures, runs for 90 days from July 30 to October 28.       

Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn was the first person to sign the petition the morning of August 28.

“I signed the Forever Canadian petition because I believe Alberta is stronger within Canada, not outside of it,” said Van Rijn. “This petition is about reaffirming Alberta’s voice and place at the national table, ensuring we continue to shape Canada’s future.”

He noted that for him, signing was a way to show pride in both Alberta and Canada and to stand for unity and stability. 

“A Coaldale resident shared – ‘my family fought for the whole country, not just a province. I am Canadian, not a provincialist’,” he added. “That message of unity deeply resonated with me and reinforced why I chose to sign.”

A steady stream of well over 100 people came out to sign the petition at the Coaldale United Church, which was available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

“I believe in Canada and I’m here to support Canada the best way we can,” said Coaldale resident Don Holmes, noting he was happy to see the petition making its way to the smaller, more rural towns like Coaldale. “I think it’s a great thing that we get involved.” 

Barb Phillips, an official volunteer canvasser with the campaign from Lethbridge, said people wishing to sign the petition are asked four questions and they must be a resident of Alberta. The petition must also be signed in person. 

“This has great momentum, the word is out and people appeared to really want to show support for this petition,” said Phillips, noting people from all over the province have been out signing the petition. “We’ve had people from Coaldale, Milk River and Lethbridge County.” 

Volunteer canvassers will be out at various locations across Alberta over the next several weeks with petitions for citizens to sign, including several more anticipated stops in Coaldale, before the October 28 deadline. 

“People have been asking if we can come back in the evening because during the day folks are working,” said fellow volunteer canvasser Gayle McMartin. “So we’re looking for a venue that would accept us in the evening and we would bring canvassers to Coaldale.”

Phillips said the campaign is now “on a roll” and is expected to be back several times before the end of October, with coordinators in Coaldale, Taber and Lethbridge.  

“It’s a short interval of time but it is essential,” said Phillips. “It’s important to Albertans, it’s important to Canada and it’s important for our future.”