Alberta Separatists Gain Momentum

0:00It's April 9th. Welcome in. This is Calgary News Today, where local news meets AI, I'm Corey with the story. Alberta's separatists are riding a wave of momentum as Prime Minister Mark Carney edges closer to a parliamentary majority, feeling their push for an ANN, Independence Referendum. Their citizen-led petition has already surpassed the 177,000 signatures needed under provincial law with volunteers. Starting thousands more, since conservative MP Marilyn Gladoo defected to the Liberals on Wednesday. This marks the fourth such defection from conservative since November, and if Liberals snag just one of three upcoming by-elections on Monday, Carney. Locks in that majority to ram through his agenda. Spokesman Jeff Rath from the Alberta Prosperity Project calls Carney the biggest unwitting boost to their cause, especially in the oil ridge, right-leaning west. Folks in Alberta are fired up in feeling betrayed, sparking outrage among conservatives, who

1:01fear a liberal grip will hurt provincial interests. Social media's buzzing with separatist cheers, predicting more defections can make a yes-vote unstoppable, as one activist reposted. High-profile nods are pouring in two Independence-backer Keith Wilson hit Glinnbeck Show this week, and Elon Musk straight up replied, yeah, to A. Post-saying separations Canada's only salvation. Rath dubs Musk, a big supporter, as they gauge U.S. reactions. They've got until May 2nd to submit to elections Alberta, though polls still peck support at just 27% among decided voters. With signature stacking and defections during the pot, this Independence Fire shows no signs of cooling anytime soon.