Protesters disrupt Edmonton Alberta Next town hall, but audience backs proposals
Smith’s Alberta Next town hall in Edmonton drew one of the largest and most contentious crowds of the nine-city tour so far.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s Alberta Next town hall in Edmonton drew one of the largest and most contentious crowds of the nine-city tour so far, with vocal protesters inside and outside the venue — but audience straw polls still showed overwhelming support for the provincial autonomy measures under discussion.
Roughly 700 people packed into the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel West on Thursday night, joined by a handful of protesters outside. A separate group of pro-separation supporters also gathered nearby. Inside, tensions flared as some attendees interrupted the proceedings with heckles, swearing, and accusations of “propaganda.”
Moderator Bruce McAllister repeatedly called for order, warning disruptive participants they could be asked to leave. At one point, he compared the interruptions to toddlers, while Smith asked the audience to let speakers finish.
“Knock it off, or I’ll ask you to leave, especially your language,” said McAllister. “Just knock it off, or I’ll ask somebody to get you out of here. You don’t reward a toddler in the grocery store and give them what they want.”
The event followed the Alberta Next format used in earlier stops, with short videos and panel commentary on six topics: equalization, a provincial pension plan, a provincial police force, constitutional amendments, immigration reform, and provincial tax collection.
Despite the confrontations, straw polls taken after each topic once again showed majority support for the proposals, mirroring results from previous town halls.
When McAllister asked attendees whether “Alberta should take more control of the immigration system to counter Ottawa’s open border policies,” almost every hand was raised in favour.
While many speakers stuck to the set topics, others pressed Smith on health care funding, homelessness, COVID-19 vaccination costs, and government expense policies.
At one point, Smith highlighted the missed economic opportunity due to the federal government not advocating for Keystone XL. She said the project would have generated an additional 2.5 million barrels per day, generating $55 billion a year.
“You can build a lot of schools and hospitals and roads with that kind of money. That’s why we’re advocating for it,” she said.
Smith’s post to X of the events livestream saw some Albertans note their displeasure with the disruptions.
“Listened for a while but quit cause I get quite disgusted by the rudeness & immaturity of people making vehement statements vs voicing opinions or asking questions,” said one commenter. “Anyone that refuses to see the dysfunction & corruption of the federal government and all federal institutions is most likely benefiting from it.”
“How embarrassing. So many misinformed Edmontonians acting like complete fools. Sorry you guys had to endure that,” said another.
Other commenters commended Smith and other speakers for maintaining their cool.
“Danielle displayed self-control like no other tonight in Edmonton. I feel bad for the host, too, but he pulled through.. Yikes Edmonton!”
In her closing remarks, Smith urged Albertans to consider how Quebec has used its constitutional powers to manage its own affairs, including tax collection, immigration control, and opting out of federal programs.
“Do we want to become more like Quebec in managing our own affairs?” she asked.
The Alberta Next Panel tour continues with two more town halls in August and five more in September, with the last taking place in Calgary.
The province has pledged to use feedback from the events to guide potential referendum questions in 2026.