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EDMONTON — More heavy hitters are adding their names to a growing chorus of voices saying no to Alberta separation, with Order of Canada recipient and prominent business and community leader Mike Shaikh joining the Vote to Stay campaign.
Shaikh is calling on Albertans to support keeping the province within Canada, becoming the latest prominent figure to endorse the federalist organization founded by former Conservative cabinet minister Monte Solberg.
An entrepreneur, chartered professional accountant and philanthropist, Shaikh previously served as chair of the Calgary Police Commission and has spent decades involved in community organizations across Alberta and Canada.
He was appointed to the Order of Canada in recognition of his contributions to business and philanthropy and his work supporting community organizations.
“I’ve spent my life believing in the values of hard work, opportunity, service and community,” Shaikh said.
“Alberta has given generations of people from every background the chance to build better lives and stronger communities.”
Shaikh said Alberta’s future is brightest as a strong province within a united Canada, where the province can continue creating economic opportunities, welcoming newcomers and influencing the country’s future.
“That’s why I’m proud to support Vote to Stay, and I encourage every Albertan who shares that vision to join us,” Shaikh said.
Solberg welcomed Shaikh’s endorsement, describing him as an example of the opportunities available to people who build their lives in Alberta.
“Mike Shaikh is the epitome of the Alberta success story,” Solberg said.
“His life demonstrates what is possible through hard work, generosity and a commitment to serving others.”
Solberg said Shaikh has spent decades working to strengthen both Alberta and Canada through business, philanthropy and public service.
Shaikh’s endorsement comes as recent polling suggests support for Alberta independence has continued to decline.
The most recent Ipsos polling found fewer than one in five Albertans, 17 per cent, said they would vote for Alberta to leave Canada.
Support for separation has been trending downward for several months, after earlier surveys showed roughly three in 10 Albertans were prepared to vote for independence.
Vote to Stay was launched earlier this year as an organized response to renewed efforts seeking a referendum on Alberta independence.
The campaign has attracted endorsements from prominent political, business and community figures, including former Alberta premier Ed Stelmach.
The organization is encouraging Albertans opposed to separation to sign a pledge supporting Alberta remaining within Canada.
The campaign comes as organizers seeking an independence referendum continue collecting signatures under Alberta’s citizen initiative process.
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