Approximately 175 representatives from our 32 member organizations gathered at Scarboro United Church on September 16 to launch the Get Out the Vote (GOTV) phase of our Vote for the Common Good campaign ahead of Alberta’s October 19 referendum.

Through the campaign’s Pledge to Vote initiative, member organizations committed to mobilizing an estimated 16,000–20,000 voters, turning an evening of connection and learning into plans for action.

“We are organizing our community to vote because not just the results of this referendum, but the future direction of our province and the lives of people in our community will be determined by who shows up to vote,” said Ryan Andersen, Executive Director of the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good.

The evening brought the campaign’s three pillars—Connect, Educate, and Act—to life. Participants heard personal stories from community members, including immigrants and Indigenous leaders, about what living in Canada and Alberta has meant to them and why they intend to vote. These experiences grounded the conversation in people’s lives and the referendum’s potential impact on our communities.

During a GOTV strategy workshop, members connected with one another, exchanged ideas, and developed practical approaches to encouraging voter participation. Organizations identified how they would reach people in their communities and shared commitments to help turn conversations into pledges—and pledges into votes.

“When we vote, we do more than mark a ballot. We affirm that every person counts, every voice has value, and every community deserves to be heard. Whatever your views on the referendum questions, I hope Albertans will engage, reflect, and participate in shaping our shared future,” said Rev. Samaya Oakley, Minister of the Calgary Unitarian Church.

Chris Mah Poy, a member of Scarboro United Church, emphasized the importance of participation and belonging.

“Decisions are made by those who show up. It’s critically important that we as an Alliance show up to vote, hold our elected leaders accountable, and be actors with agency in our communities and province. Fundamentally, this referendum is about belonging, and I hope that Albertans will show up and send a clear message that immigrants belong here, that we want real solutions to the problems facing our province, and we belong in Canada,” he said.

The assembly opened with a prayer led by Elder Grant Little Mustache and closed with “Song of Solidarity,” reflecting the relationships and shared responsibility that sustain our work together.

Building on our June 3 campaign launch at Central Memorial Park, which brought together more than 150 people, the assembly marked the beginning of a crucial month of outreach. In the weeks ahead, our member organizations will carry this work into their communities through conversations, education, and support for people to make a plan to vote.

Thank you to everyone who attended, shared their stories, and helped make the assembly possible. Together, we can turn these commitments into meaningful participation.

Learn more and get involved in Vote for the Common Good.

See CTV’s Coverage of the Assembly

Watch the video and read CTV’s report on our GOTV Assembly:

• Watch the video
• Read the report