Alberta pro-unity rally held in wake of CFB Wainwright fire on final day before vote

EDMONTON – Labour leaders and the head of Alberta’s flagship federalist referendum campaign say Saturday’s tragedy at the Wainwright military base demonstrates the need for unity, just one day before Alberta’s historic vote on its place in Canada.

Four military members were killed and dozens more seriously injured following a violent fire at CFB Wainwright, a massive military training base about 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.

Thomas Lukaszuk, leader of the Forever Canadian group, told pro-unity demonstrators gathering at the Alberta legislature Sunday that it was a “difficult day” to hold a rally.

But, he said it’s because of soldiers training across the country that Albertans are able to gather in protest.

“(They) give us the privilege and give us right to do exactly what we’re doing today,” he said.

“So as you’re waving your flags and you’re protesting, keep in the back of your mind those four soldiers and all the other ones who are injured because it is thanks to them that we are (here) today.”

Attendees waved Canadian flags strapped to hockey sticks, wore red and white, and hoisted signs denouncing Premier Danielle Smith’s referendum, some encouraging Albertans to “fight back!”

Voters go to the polls Monday to decide if Alberta should stay in Canada or if it’s time for a second, binding referendum on leaving Confederation.

The rally, spearheaded by the Alberta Federation of Labour, came one day after separatists assembled at the legislature with blue Alberta flags to cheer for independence.

On Sunday, Federation leader Gil McGowan led the crowd in a moment of silence for first responders and those killed or injured in Wainwright.

“Our fellow Canadians did not stop to worry about the referendum, about the separatist debate. They just knew that other Canadians were in need, and they responded to the call,” he said.

“That’s why we are stronger together in one Canadian federation,” McGowan said to cheers and applause.

He was joined by Indigenous leaders and the heads of labour unions representing workers across the province.

Sandra Azocar, President of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, said the impact of the tragedy extends far beyond Wainwright.

“It impacts our entire province and our country. We stand with all Canadians today,” she said.

Heather Smith, United Nurses of Alberta president, thanked health-care workers for their work and compassion.

“It shows us all why being united matters,” she said.

The premier has said she wants Alberta to remain in Canada, but the vote is necessary to finally put the question of independence to rest.

At a news conference Sunday addressing the fire at CFB Wainwright, Smith said the province has a long and proud history of supporting the Canadian Armed Forces and is honoured to be assisting, including providing care to injured soldiers.

“I think that’s why can you see the reaction, not only among Albertans, but across the entire country and across the world,” she said.

Polls across the province will be open Monday, from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Results on the independence question are expected to start trickling out in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.

Preliminary numbers suggest the final count could set a record.

Elections Alberta said Sunday that more than 1.3 million residents have already cast an advance or mail-in ballot, out of approximately 3.1 million who are eligible.

Aside from the 10th question on separation, Smith has put nine other questions on the referendum ballot.

Those nine ask whether her government should take more control and impose new rules on immigration, and pursue constitutional changes that take power away from Ottawa. Smith has said she needs that mandate to gain leverage to negotiate a better deal with Ottawa.

Campaigns across the province ramped up earlier this week, making last-minute appeals to get residents to the polls.

Prime Minister Mark Carney met with residents for two days in Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary, posing for selfies, shaking hands and spreading the message to keep the country whole. 

In Calgary, he urged Albertans to say “no to the nine.”

During speeches in Edmonton and Calgary, he also said a vote against Canada amounts to “a dangerous bluff,” and pointed to his government’s plan to fast-track an oil pipeline from Alberta to the B.C. coast as proof that co-operative federalism can still work.

Opposition Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has also spoken multiple times in recent days for a united Canada. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 18, 2026.