Jim Fedor scheduled October 19 off work to ensure he could participate in Alberta’s referendum. Expressing his anticipation, Fedor, a first-time referendum voter, shared his intention to vote for Option 1 on the separation issue to keep Alberta within Canada. Additionally, he planned to vote against the other nine questions and emphasized the importance of everyone having a voice through voting.
CBC News organized a pop-up event at the Seton library branch in southeast Calgary to gauge Albertans’ sentiments as the referendum campaigns approached their final week. Visitors were encouraged to share their thoughts on preparing to vote by writing on Post-It notes. The atmosphere was bustling with parents with children, high school students, and seniors engaging in the event.
While some individuals like Fedor were enthusiastic about voting, others, such as Christine Nelson and Charmaine Coutinho, expressed frustration with the referendum process. Nelson criticized the allocation of taxpayers’ money for a seemingly futile vote, while Coutinho raised concerns about the rise of racism and extreme viewpoints associated with the referendum.
Michael Chudleigh highlighted the importance of respecting differing opinions despite his personal stance on the referendum. He emphasized the significance of understanding opposing viewpoints, even when they differ from one’s own.
At the library, a pair of friends shared differing views on separation, with one advocating for unity within Canada and the other exploring the possibility of leaving. The pro-unity friend, whose father had served for Canada, underscored her commitment to preserving the country’s unity.
Newcomers, including David Aldana from Colombia, expressed their love for Canada and emphasized the value of unity for the country. Despite not having Canadian citizenship, individuals with permanent residency conveyed their support for staying in Canada due to their admiration for the country’s freedom and unity.
As the referendum date approached, concerns arose that the vote could have unintended consequences. Some individuals were apprehensive about the potential outcomes, including a resurgence of political parties and divisions within the province.
In the midst of varying opinions, Destiny Fox emphasized the importance of open dialogue and understanding diverse perspectives. She highlighted the significance of the referendum in allowing individuals to voice their feelings, even if they don’t align with the majority opinion.
The library event showcased a range of sentiments, with voices for unity prevailing. While the event provided insights into public sentiments, it was acknowledged that strong opinions existed on both sides of the referendum debate.