The Courage To Listen: Building A Framework for a Sovereign Alberta

Calgary-Lougheed UCP Constituency Association Presents
The Courage To Listen: Building A Framework for a Sovereign Alberta
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 @ 5:30pm

What Could a Sovereign Alberta Mean for Justice, Peace, and Prosperity for All Albertans?
Borders aren’t carved in stone—they evolve with the will of the people. Norway and Sweden once shared a union. So did Czechs and Slovaks. Closer to home, Alberta and Saskatchewan were part of Rupert’s Land before becoming provinces in 1905. History reminds us: political change can happen peacefully, and it often starts with conversation.
Now, Alberta faces an important question about its future. The Alberta Prosperity Project has filed a referendum question with Elections Alberta: “Do you agree the Province of Alberta shall become a Sovereign Country and cease to be a province of Canada? Yes; or No.”
A growing number of Albertans—51%—support holding a referendum. Among United Conservative Party members, 65% support putting the question to a vote, according to the latest Kolosowski Strategies poll. Just weeks ago, support was at 30%. The public mood is shifting.
On June 25, 2025, join us in Calgary for an honest and necessary conversation.
This event gathers a broad group of Albertans—academics, economists, civil servants, and citizens—who will debate the path forward. The focus: Is it possible to build a sovereign Alberta that reflects the values of fairness, democracy, and collective well-being within, or outside, a reimagined Canada?

Confirmed speakers include:
• Ben Trudeau – A long-time advocate for democratic reform, Ben explores how Alberta can exercise its constitutional rights to protect public institutions and working-class communities.
• Jeff Rath – What are the benefits of Alberta being within a united Canada or an autonomous Nation?
• Matthew Ehret, Canadian author – What does global finance, and potential future leaders like PM Carney, mean for Alberta’s autonomy? Who will truly benefit if decisions remain centralized in Ottawa?
• Kris Sims, Canadian Taxpayers Federation – What would Alberta’s finances look like if they were managed solely by and for Albertans? What public investments could be prioritized—healthcare, education, sustainable energy?
• Bruce Pardy, LLB – Professor and author of the Alberta Declaration of Independence. He raises tough questions about government accountability, democratic legitimacy, and the bloated bureaucracies that can overshadow public needs.
• Dr. Michael Wagner, PhD – Author of Time to Leave, Canada Cannot be Fixed. He argues that the status quo is unsustainable. Reform is blocked; Alberta’s voice is ignored. Can a more democratic, equal society emerge from sovereignty?
• Peter McCaffrey, President of the Alberta Institute – While traditionally focused on libertarian policy, McCaffrey will contribute to the broader conversation about how sovereignty might create space for locally accountable governance.
• Mitch Sylvestre, CEO, Alberta Prosperity Project – Organizer of the referendum initiative, Mitch outlines how the process aligns with the federal Clarity Act, and why Albertans must have the democratic right to decide their future.

Sponsored by:
UCP Calgary-Acadia
UCP Calgary-South East
UCP Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul
UCP Grande Prairie-Wapiti
UCP Highwood
UCP Maskwacis-Wetaskiwin
UCP Airdrie-East
UCP Calgary-Lougheed