EDMONTON — The former politician behind a citizen-led petition affirming that Alberta should remain part of Canada is attending the first meeting of a legislature committee tasked with its review.

Thomas Lukaszuk, a former deputy premier, says on social media he’s looking forward to this morning’s meeting.

The committee, led by United Conservative Party legislature members, was appointed in December to discuss the “Forever Canadian” petition.

Launched to counter separatist efforts, the petition collected more than 456,000 signatures, well over the 294,000 required to initiate a possible referendum.

Premier Danielle Smith’s UCP government has urged that Alberta stay in Confederation but has also made it easier for groups to hold a referendum on quitting Canada by lowering the signature threshold.

Committee chair and UCP backbencher Brandon Lunty has said he’s looking forward to discussing next steps but hasn’t said how quickly his panel can finish its work.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 21, 2026.

The Canadian Press