Edmonton Journal has reported:

Seven “Let Alberta Decide” signs placed around Fort McMurray were vandalized ahead of Alberta’s Oct. 19 Referendum, Wood Buffalo RCMP said. The force confirmed in a release shared the day before the report that seven of 11 signs installed at locations around the community with Elections Alberta’s permission were reported damaged as of the previous evening.

Police believe the damage took place between Sept. 29 and Oct. 4. The signs targeted are associated with the separatist movement. The damaged signs have since been repaired, and RCMP are asking witnesses or anyone with surveillance footage to come forward.

Two signs were damaged along Thickwood Boulevard and two along Confederation Drive. One was on Hospital Street, one on MacKenzie Boulevard and one on Highway 63 across from the dump station.

The vandalism included political messages and profanity. Black spray paint on one sign read “GO 2 AMERICA,” while another had the words “NOT YOUR LAND.” Some signs were marked with profanity suggesting treason.

Referendum signs have appeared across the region over the past few months as residents prepared to vote, with the ballot a week away at the time of the report. Some residents have put “forever Canadian” signs on their front lawns, while people supporting the “Let Alberta Decide” message have placed signs along roadways and in public spaces.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo issued a public notice on Oct. 2 about its responsibilities for election signage. It said the municipality does not regulate election signs or advertisements related to the referendum, following a 2025 provincial amendment to the Election Statutes Act that limits municipalities’ ability to regulate this type of advertising.

The municipality said Elections Alberta is “responsible for planning the election and for guidelines around all referendum signs.” It also prohibits election or referendum signs on municipal property and can limit signage if it is considered a public safety concern.

The vandalism comes as campaigning continues ahead of the vote. Related coverage listed information on how to vote in the Oct. 19 Referendum and reported that Thomas Lukaszuk was driving an anti-separatist Unity Bus across Alberta. Lukaszuk’s position was expressed in the headline, “‘We want nothing to do with separatism’: Thomas Lukaszuk drives anti-separatist Unity Bus across Alberta.”