Alberta independence referendum: why I voted yes in 2026

I voted yes in the Alberta independence referendum. I went to my polling station, got my ballot, and marked an X for Alberta to leave Canada and become its own republic. I did it because I believe Alberta will be far better off on its own, and because this is the best chance we will get.

Advance voting has already started, and you can vote before October 19. You do not need a microphone, a YouTube channel or a seat at a town hall to take part. You just need to find your voting location and cast a ballot.

Why an immigrant voted for Alberta independence

I am an immigrant, and I know that makes some people angry. Federal immigration policy was meant to bring in new voters who would keep the Liberals in power. I like to say it backfired. A newcomer arrived, assimilated into Albertan culture, and now votes for independence.

I have taken plenty of hate online for this. Since I announced that I support independence, people have told me I should be deported. Others have reported me to Canada Revenue Agency, by my count roughly 150 cases over about ten months, and have called my company. I vote lawfully and I speak freely, and I will keep doing both.

I did not come to Alberta out of love for it. I moved here in 2014 because I was told there were more jobs, and I wanted my immigration done faster so I could go back to Ontario. Everyone there told me Alberta was a dead end. Then I stayed. Of every province I have visited, this is the only one I would want to live in. That is why Alberta is my home, and why I am voting for its future.

Why Alberta wants out: income, jobs and Ottawa

Average income in Alberta has been going down since 2010, and I count that as 16 years. Alberta is still the highest-paid province in Canada, but it has been getting poorer. Anyone planning to vote to stay in Canada should be careful what they wish for, because housing, affordability and unemployment are all on the table.

Alberta also created more jobs than the rest of Canada combined over the last couple of months. Our province produces and Ottawa takes the credit.

Municipal, provincial and federal politicians are all lined up against us and call us separatists. Mark Carney comes to Alberta and presents himself as one of us. He was raised here, but he spent most of his life elsewhere. I do not take that as respect for Alberta.

What happens after a yes vote

Independence would not mean chaos. If Alberta votes yes, I would go through every legal step: negotiate with Ottawa, talk with First Nations, and do it properly.

After that, the government does not go anywhere. The mayors stay. Danielle Smith, for example, would serve as president of the Republic of Alberta until the next election. Service Canada becomes Service Alberta, and the biggest visible change is that Alberta passports are printed here.

People warn that doctors will leave. Alberta pays those doctors’ salaries today and would keep paying them. The doctors I have talked to say they would rather go to the United States, where pay is higher, than to a Canada that no longer has Alberta paying its bills.

On the constitution, yes, Canada would have to deal with the consequences. That is Canada’s job. Alberta would have its own constitution, and Albertans would decide how to write it.

Why the United States matters for Alberta’s recognition

I believe this is Alberta’s last chance, because the conditions are right. Donald Trump is on the other side of the border and could recognize Alberta after a referendum win. The United States carries far more weight in world politics than Canada does. If Washington announced it recognizes Alberta as a sovereign nation, other countries would likely follow, and the only party left to convince would be Canada.

That is simply how international politics works. Once we are independent, we can make our own trade deal with the United States and a better one with Canada. Ottawa can sort out its own problems, including its court cases with First Nations in other regions.

First Nations, treaties and Alberta as a resource colony

I do not accept the “stolen land” narrative. What happened in the past happened in the past, and we live in a modern world. What matters are the treaties and agreements that exist today. Those treaties would transfer to the Alberta government, which would have to honour them. I believe First Nations in Alberta would end up with a better deal in a wealthier Alberta.

Alberta has become a resource colony for the rest of Canada. We are a powerful province with huge oil reserves that feeds everyone else, but we are muzzled, like a big dog held back while a tiny dog barks at it from behind the glass. We have been landlocked by Ottawa’s policy. Independence is how we negotiate better terms, get shovels in the ground, build pipelines and infrastructure, and raise incomes and living standards.

I also think Ottawa divides people. It creates a month for one group, then another, and nothing for Ukrainians. Being split into who came first and who came second is divisive. In Alberta, everyone should simply be an Albertan.

Immigration and the economy after independence

I support lowering immigration temporarily. Once Alberta reaches its potential and businesses cannot find people to hire, we will need to bring people in again. Then we can pick the best and the right people, the kind who go to the United States from around the world to help build a great nation.

I also think Alberta should allow more AI data centres. Many Albertans do not like the idea, but I see artificial intelligence as a huge boost to our competitiveness and to our oil and resource industries.

How to vote in the Alberta referendum

Do your own research and do not rely on a YouTuber, including me. Ask Elections Alberta directly about the rules for marking your ballot. Here is what I would do:

• Open the Elections Alberta voting-location map on your phone and check the exact address. I followed Google Maps and ended up across the road from the real polling place, as did other voters.
• Vote early, any time before October 19.
• Mark your ballot the way Elections Alberta instructs. I made my X and wanted to be sure it could not be erased or miscounted, so I checked the rules first.

I voted for Alberta to take control of its own future, for our kids, our grandkids and the economy. Go and cast your ballot.

Igor Ryltsev, REALTOR® — eXp Realty Calgary · 587-889-8393 · igor@igorryltsev.com