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EDMONTON — The Alberta government is launching a $4-million advertising campaign urging Albertans to support remaining in Canada ahead of the Oct. 19 referendum.
The campaign will run across television, radio, social media, print and billboards, while a booklet will also be mailed to households across the province.
Premier Danielle Smith’s office says the campaign is intended to explain the implications of the referendum and make the government’s position clear to voters.
On the separation question, the province is promoting what it describes as a strong and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada.
The referendum asks voters whether Alberta should remain a province of Canada, or whether the provincial government should begin the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding referendum on separation.
The government campaign has drawn criticism from Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi, who says the province should not be using public money to advocate a position in the referendum.
Others have also questioned whether government should be taking a side rather than limiting itself to providing neutral information about the vote.
Another group, Public Interest Alberta, is also running a campaign urging Albertans to vote to remain in Canada.
The organization launched its provincewide effort earlier this month, with volunteers planning door-to-door outreach, community events and voter information campaigns ahead of the Oct. 19 vote.
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