“Right now, separatists are controlling far more of the conversation than they represent in the population, and the pro-Canada side need to show strength before that perception becomes reality,” said Larkins, a communications strategist who previously served as press secretary to former premier Ralph Klein. Larkins said pro-Canada groups such as Forever Canadian should focus more of their efforts on Calgary, which she sees as a key battleground for voter mobilization ahead of the referendum. “Edmonton has been carrying much of the pro-Canada conversation, but
Calgary will ultimately be the battleground,” Larkins said. “The outcome won’t be decided by the people at the edges. It will be decided by the people in the centre.” “If you want to show Canada and the world that Alberta’s future is in Canada, Calgary needs to show up.” Political analyst Duane Bratt said Calgary’s importance in shaping the outcome of the referendum is a matter of simple math. As Alberta’s largest city and home to roughly one-third of the province’s population, Bratt said any
campaign hoping to influence the outcome will need to win support in Calgary. “There’s no way the separatists can get a majority to have another referendum if they don’t win a majority in Calgary,” Bratt said. “If they can’t get Calgary, they can’t get the province.” Bratt said polling to date suggests most Calgarians oppose separation, but with more than four months until referendum day, there is still plenty of time for opinions to shift. “Five months is a long time in a campaign, and
lots of different things could happen.”
Calgary, Alberta separation referendum, pro-Canada campaign, Forever Canadian, Larkins, Ralph Klein, Duane Bratt, Edmonton, separatists
So basically Calgary decides it? Got it.
Why do they keep saying ‘separatists’ like it’s some one group lol. If Edmonton has been talking about it, maybe Edmonton just needs to stop? Also is Forever Canadian even legit or just another ad campaign?
Four months is plenty time for stuff to flip, but I don’t see how Calgary can be “the centre” when half the province lives out west somewhere. Math? It says largest city so that’s the whole province’s mood or something. Kinda sounds like they’re already assuming the outcome will be decided by whatever city loudest on Facebook.
I’m not even from Alberta but it sounds like more politicians trying to game perception. Like ‘show strength’ in Calgary… ok but what does that mean, more rallies? And Ralph Klein being mentioned makes me think this is just the usual old guard talking through new names. If polling says most Calgarians oppose separation then why all this panic energy? Seems like they’re trying to scare people into voting a certain way.