Discussion on misinformation, Alberta separation draws crowd in Red Deer

A powerful winter storm couldn’t deter the roughly 200 central Albertans who gathered at the Golden Circle Seniors Resource Centre in Red Deer on Tuesday evening to hear Mount Royal University professor Duane Bratt speak on Alberta separatism and misinformation.

The Council of Canadians for Red Deer and Area organized the event, which filled the venue to capacity despite the challenging weather conditions. Norm McDougall, chair of the local Council chapter, noted that many potential attendees were likely prevented from coming due to the snowstorm, which also forced Bratt to make a treacherous drive from Calgary.

“The crowd really enjoyed it. There were lots of questions and comments and discussion,” McDougall said, adding that the audience, which included a few separatist supporters, remained respectful throughout the presentation.

The event touched on a topic that has gained increased attention in Alberta politics in recent years. Separatist sentiment has ebbed and flowed in the province for decades but has seen renewed interest amid conflicts with the federal government over energy policy, equalization payments, and other issues of provincial jurisdiction.

According to McDougall, Bratt’s presentation focused on correcting common misconceptions about Alberta separation and highlighting the substantial economic and social costs the province would face if it pursued independence from Canada.

“There’s so many complications. The group [Bratt] calls the soft supporters would quickly bail,” McDougall explained, suggesting that many casual supporters of separation would withdraw their support once confronted with the practical realities of leaving confederation.

The presentation also examined how separation rhetoric has been wielded in provincial politics. McDougall expressed agreement with Bratt’s assessment that Alberta’s United Conservative Party government has strategically used separation threats as a political tool to “distract from serious issues in health care, education, coal mining, and more.”

For those unable to attend due to weather or space limitations, a video recording of the event will be made available within a few days through the “Forever Canadian-Central Alberta” Facebook page. The strong turnout despite adverse conditions suggests significant public interest in these topics across the region.

Residents of central Alberta will have another opportunity to hear Bratt speak on February 23 when he appears as part of Burman University’s Herr Lecture series. Additional information about this upcoming presentation can be found on the university’s website.

Bratt’s appearance in Red Deer represents part of a growing effort by the Council of Canadians to foster informed public discussions about significant political and social issues. The organization has indicated plans to bring additional high-profile speakers to Red Deer in the coming months.

The Council of Canadians, which organized Tuesday’s event, is a national non-partisan advocacy organization that works at the grassroots level to promote social, economic, and environmental change across the country. The Red Deer chapter is one of many local groups operating under the national umbrella.

The evening’s robust attendance and engagement level indicate that questions about Alberta’s place in confederation and concerns about political misinformation remain significant issues for many residents of central Alberta, even as they navigate more immediate challenges like severe winter weather.