Edmonton Journal has reported:

Former University of Alberta chancellor Peggy Garritty spoke to the Canadian Club of Edmonton this week about why her group plans to vote for Alberta to remain in Canada, as advance voting in the provincial referendum is set to begin Tuesday. Garritty represents Before You Vote, a group formed by organizers behind the Forever Canadian petition. She said separation carries severe economic risks comparable to Brexit and Quebec secession.

“Promises by the separatists amount to what I call magical thinking,” Garritty said. She cited recent studies from the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Alberta, saying the idea that an independent Alberta would be more prosperous does not add up.

Before voters consider separation, they will answer five questions on immigration and four on constitutional changes. Garritty said she plans to vote no on those questions, describing the immigration section as “slippery.” She said the questions may sound logical but contain assumptions about immigration that could mislead voters.

Garritty said Canada’s immigration system prioritizes economic immigration, and that immigration has declined more than 105 per cent since the first quarter of 2025. “We’re trying to fix a problem that’s already being fixed,” she said.

She also objected to questions about whether access to social services should be restricted for people without an “Alberta-approved immigration status,” and whether those people should have to pay a premium. The source did not specify the proposed premium amount.

On constitutional matters, Garritty told the audience that many proposed changes, including abolishing the Senate, would require unanimous consent from Parliament and the other provinces. She said it was “almost impossible to imagine that any effort to abolish the senate would be successful.”

Garritty acknowledged that Alberta has faced unfair treatment in the past, while arguing that focusing on historic grievances would not address the province’s current challenges. “Instead, we believe Alberta has a unique opportunity to lead Canada,” she said.

“This mentality of grievance has been fostered over decades by elected people, by others, as a way of promoting the province and trying to get leverage,” Garritty said. “But really, I think as a way of blaming someone else.”

Advance voting opens after the Thanksgiving long weekend. Polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Oct. 17, according to the information provided. Elections Alberta has mailed information pamphlets explaining where to vote and offers an online tool to locate nearby polling stations.

The Edmonton Journal’s related coverage included an article about Albertans opposed to separatism continuing to rally, and another examining what Alberta’s Education Act says about access to education and what a yes vote could mean for non-permanent residents. The report listed the contact lnewbigging@postmedia.com, the Bluesky account @liamnewbigging.bsky.social and the X account x.com/nubigin. It also asked readers to bookmark EdmontonJournal.com and EdmontonSun.com, sign up for newsletters and consider digital subscriptions, which provide unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, The Edmonton Sun, the National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites.