Calgary city council split on how to respond to Alberta separation referendum in October
Mayor Jeromy Farkas wants to launch an anti-separation campaign, but not all council members agree on the city's role.
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Calgary city council is trying to determine how involved it can get as Albertans prepare for an October referendum on whether the province should separate from Canada.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas wants to start a campaign opposing separation, but not everyone on council agrees. The debate reflects deeper uncertainty about what role a major city should play in a provincial political question — and whether the city's stance could affect residents who hold different views.
The referendum, scheduled for October 19, will ask Albertans whether they want to remain in Canada or start the process of having a second, binding vote on separation. Premier Danielle Smith called the vote as part of a broader set of provincial questions on the October ballot.
