Separatism rally draws 2,000 to Alberta Legislature two days before referendum

Two thousand supporters gathered at the Alberta Legislature grounds Saturday under a sea of blue flags as separatism organizers doubled down on their long-term strategy ahead of Monday's provincial referendum.

Cory Morgan, who helped found the Alberta Independence Party in 2000, told the crowd the movement has staying power. "It's a movement. It's a culture. It's not going away. This is a wave in Alberta that's going to sustain," Morgan said. When asked what he would do if the "leave" side lost, he said: "I do the exact same thing I always have. I'm going to pursue Alberta's independence and nothing less."

The rally featured an Alberta-themed remake of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama," which drew roars from the crowd, along with Nickelback and music from Survivor and AC/DC during a midway T-shirt toss. Speakers voiced concerns about federal control of the province's oil resources, Canadian EU negotiations framed as arms deals, and the Pacific Link Pipeline characterized as a federal money-laundering scheme. The crowd booed each time Prime Minister Mark Carney's name was mentioned and catcalled at references to the European Union.

Podcaster Adam Derges, who spoke at the rally, noted the hellish windstorm conditions earlier Saturday that snarled highways and caused damage across the province. He contrasted the outdoor rally with Friday's indoor "Forever Canadian" rally held in a barn, portraying that venue as comfortable for Carney supporters. Derges urged separatism supporters not to be deterred by long polling station lineups, comparing a two-hour wait to vote against a wait for independence itself.

Constitutional lawyer Keith Wilson, speaking in favour of separation, said the movement predates current politics. "Well, this movement started 100 years ago, so why would it stop now?" Wilson told Postmedia before the event. He believes the "leave" side is being underestimated by pollsters.

Morgan acknowledged that surveys show the federalist cause with a hefty lead but framed the rally as about building something that lasts. "It takes work. It takes growing a movement to make something that lasts, and it's here now," he said.

The referendum takes place Monday, October 19.