Alberta’s opposition NDP is launching a pro-Canada campaign to mobilize Albertans ahead of a possible separation referendum. Connor Hogg has the details.

During day three of court proceedings that could see an injunction put a separatism referendum on pause, Alberta lawyers say collecting signatures does not violate treaty rights.

First Nations from Treaty 6, 7 and 8 are seeking an interim order from a judge, arguing that the separatist petition does violate federally protected treaty rights as well as duty to consult.

Lawyer Neil Dobson told an Edmonton courtroom that consultation with First Nations would likely only be necessary if the referendum passed in favour of leaving Canada.

Stay Free Alberta, the group leading the separatist referendum campaign, said it has collected more than the 178,000 signatures required to trigger a vote. The group has until May 2 to submit the petition.

The injunction hearing, which began Tuesday, is expected to last several days.

Meanwhile, Alberta’s New Democrats launched a campaign Thursday ahead of the likely fall separatist referendum.

“For Alberta, For Canada” aims to mobilize Albertans to get involved and take action against separatist sentiments.

Official Opposition and NDP leader Naheed Nenshi announced the campaign Thursday morning in Calgary.

“We have many everyday citizens here, all of whom have been echoing the number one question I get from Albertans right now … ‘What can I do?’” said Nenshi. “I call it the most Canadian of questions in a time where life feels heavy and hard, where people are worried about the cost of living, health care, education and public safety.

“They have a lot to worry about, but now Albertans are worried about the future of our nation.”

Nenshi said the talk of a referendum has frozen investment and slowed down Alberta’s economy.

“Most important, it has pitted neighbour against neighbour.”

While the campaign is being led by the NDP, Nenshi said everyone is welcome to join.

“For Alberta, For Canada doesn’t make you a New Democrat member. It doesn’t make you join any political party,” said Nenshi. “What it makes you is a fighter for Canada, a true patriot, and we’re taking back patriotism.”

A day of action is scheduled on April 25 to door knock.

While speaking at the Rotary Club of Calgary’s annual luncheon, Premier Danielle Smith delivered her state of the province address.

“I believe in citizen initiated referenda … It’s ideologically neutral … It’s just a way for citizens to express their view on a policy that’s different from government,” said Smith during the question period following her address. “My government policy is we support a sovereign Alberta within a united Canada.”

The NDP campaign comes amid court proceedings that seek to put a pause on a petition that would pose a question through a referendum on whether Alberta should leave Canada.

With files from The Canadian Press

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