Hon. Daryl Fridhandler: Honourable senators, today I rise to speak about a compelling movement of Canadian unity in Alberta, initiated and led by Thomas Lukaszuk.

In the permitted 90 days, nearly half a million Albertans signed the “Forever Canadian” petition, a citizen initiative that affirms Alberta is proudly Canadian. That is a remarkable 40% more than the legislative requirement. The petition question proposed is simple, “Do you agree that Alberta should remain within Canada?”

This petition triggered a movement of over 10,000 volunteers and 6,500 registered canvassers — of which I was a proud one.

At the heart of this effort is Thomas Lukaszuk, who I am honoured to welcome to the gallery today. Thomas immigrated to Canada from Poland in 1982. He is a former deputy premier of Alberta whose leadership and vision have helped channel Albertans’ clear sentiment: We are Canadians.

The petition was submitted to Alberta’s Chief Electoral Officer to be verified, and results will be published no later than January 6.

This petition is not a call for a referendum. It is a call for leadership.

As Mr. Lukaszuk said:

We’re asking the premier to do the right thing and ask Alberta MLAs to vote on this issue and put separatist talks to bed once and for all.

This petition stands in stark contrast to the so-called Alberta Prosperity Project — a gross misnomer, if there ever was one — which seeks to trigger a referendum on a constitutional change for separation. The separatist’s petition has not been cleared for signature and is now before the Alberta courts as potentially being unconstitutional.

Notably, the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, representing 16 First Nations in Alberta, has been granted intervenor status in the case and have issued a statement condemning the Alberta Prosperity Project initiative as reckless and “. . . a direct violation of the treaty relationship . . . .”

To be clear, the Alberta separation conversation is not over yet. We still have a long way to go, but Mr. Lukaszuk along with the petition signatories and volunteers of the movement have taken a significant step in uniting Albertans, reminding us what it means to be part of the Canadian federation.

Premier Smith and her colleagues can do the right thing. Once signatures are verified, the “Forever Canadian” petition goes to a legislative committee for up to 60 days for their recommendation, then to the Alberta legislature for the approval and acceptance of the proposal, ending the matter there, or the question is sent to a divisive, expensive campaign, the outcome of which is now clear.

I call on Premier Smith to address this matter, stand up now with the majority of Albertans, accelerate the “Forever Canadian” proposal through the committee and approve and accept the proposal in the legislature without pushing it forward to a referendum.

Stand up for Alberta as a proud member of the federation. Stand up for Canada, Premier Smith.

Thank you, Thomas Lukaszuk.

Thank you. Meegwetch.