Preston Manning steps into Alberta referendum debate
Preston Manning and former B.C. premier Gordon Campbell are set to co-chair a virtual assembly on Alberta and Western Canada’s relationship with Ottawa ahead of the province’s Oct. 19 referendum.
Former Reform Party leader Preston Manning is stepping into Alberta’s referendum debate with a new virtual forum aimed at examining the province’s long-standing concerns with Ottawa and the future of the Canadian federation.
The Alberta and the West Assembly is scheduled to take place online on Sept. 19 and 20, with Manning serving as co-chair alongside former British Columbia premier Gordon Campbell.
The two-day event will be livestreamed from Calgary and will bring together speakers to examine issues surrounding Alberta and Western Canada’s relationship with the federal government, including different options for addressing those concerns.
The organizers have described the assembly as an educational exercise rather than a campaign for one particular outcome.
Manning has said the goal is to give participants an opportunity to hear competing perspectives and examine possible responses to dissatisfaction with the current federal system.
He also added that the assembly could serve as an example to younger Canadians who are losing confidence in democratic institutions.
“People don’t see that process operating in legislatures today. They don’t see it operating in the House of Commons. What they see there is instant polarization on issues,” Manning said.
The timing puts the event directly ahead of Alberta’s Oct. 19 referendum, when voters will be asked to weigh 10 questions covering issues including immigration, provincial authority and constitutional reform, as well as whether Alberta should remain a province of Canada.
The assembly is expected to continue after the referendum, with organizers planning a follow-up session in October and recommendations that could eventually be presented to policymakers across Western Canada.
Manning has said the concerns being examined extend beyond Alberta and are shared by other provinces in the West.
Too little too late! I think it is long past time for academic posturing. The alternative options have already been exhausted, and now is the time for action.
10 questions to read through and check off?! Danielle 's way of managing something she doesn't want to happen or even be voted on. Remember the Quebec referendum (2), both close calls for Canada but it helped Quebec throw there weight around and threaten Ottawa's grip on power, but just for Quebec. Gvts never give back acquired power until their existence is threatened and then some don't give up until they are thrown out, literally.