U of A faculty union registers as advertiser supporting Canada in October referendum

The Alberta Association of Academic Staff registered Thursday with Elections Alberta as an advertiser supporting Canada in the October 19 referendum on separation — making it the eighth federalist advertiser to officially register and the 26th advertiser overall.

AASUA, the union representing around 4,000 academic faculty, librarians and other staff at the University of Alberta, is concerned about the implications of separation for research funding and degree accreditation. Federal funding to the university amounted to $215 million in 2024.

Union president Kristine Smitka and leaders of other campus unions co-wrote an editorial published by Postmedia earlier this month laying out their case. "Thousands of U of A students depend on research opportunities to pursue their academic and professional goals," they wrote. "These paid positions and the research they support are funded through federal grants."

Separation could jeopardize those opportunities, the editorial stated. "If Alberta were to separate, these opportunities would be jeopardized. National accrediting bodies would have to decide whether to continue recognizing these degrees."

The union also warned about the ripple effects on institutional growth. "Deterring students poses a significant threat to our institution's viability and ambitious plans for increasing enrolment."

Meanwhile, separatist advertisers have out-raised federalist advertisers by more than $600,000. Let Alberta Decide, led by Keith Wilson, continues to lead all advertisers with over half a million dollars raised. Third-party advertisers are limited to spending a maximum of $607,000 on referendum advertising and can accept no more than $5,000 per year in contributions from individuals, corporations or unions. All contributions must come from inside Alberta and be disclosed to Elections Alberta.