Former MLA Richard Starke is raising concerns about what could happen to Lloydminster if Alberta were to separate from Canada.
Starke paints a troubling picture:
“We already struggle with a provincial border running through our city and having to deal with two different governments. Now imagine a national border dividing Lloydminster — with two separate countries and two national governments. The chaos would be indescribable.”
Starke is volunteering with the Forever Canadian Petition, which aims to collect 300,000 signatures in just 90 days to keep Alberta in Canada. The campaign faces an uphill battle, especially against the competing Alberta Prosperity Project that needs 177,000 signatures in 120 days to get the Alberta Independence question on the ballot.
“The rules changed,” says Starke. “Thomas Lukaszyk applied under the old rules. Now we have 90 days to collect 300,000 names. But we’re confident. We’ve got over 8,000 volunteers across Alberta working hard.”
The rules were changed on July 4. Starke believes Albertans will stand up for unity.
“I’m confident Albertans will say loud and clear: we want to remain proud Canadians.”
Back to Lloydminster question, Starke warns that Alberta’s exit from Canada would have serious consequences for the city’s economy and identity.
“We’ve fought for decades to be recognized as one cohesive city. We’ve told that story to both Alberta and Saskatchewan governments. If we had to deal with two national governments instead, I can’t even imagine the disruption.”
More information about the petition is available on the Forever Canadian social media. Starke can be reached via his social media, Richard K Starke.
