More than 150 Calgarians representing faith communities, labour organizations, community groups, Indigenous leadership, newcomer communities, and non-profit organizations gathered at Central Memorial Park on June 3 to launch the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good’s Alberta referendum campaign: Vote for Canada, Vote No to Nine, Vote for the Common Good.

The campaign comes ahead of Alberta’s October 19 provincial referendum and raises concerns about referendum questions related to immigration, constitutional change, and Alberta’s future within Canada.

Jennifer Garrison, Co-Chair of the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good Strategy Team, said the referendum questions are ultimately questions about values.

“The five questions about recent immigrants, in particular, are fundamentally dehumanizing. The four constitutional questions are separation questions in disguise. Taken together, all the questions are a political act of scapegoating: blaming immigrants and the rest of Canada for the complex issues our communities and province face,” Garrison said.

Rabbi Mark Glickman of Temple B’nai Tikvah urged Albertans to uphold a tradition of welcoming newcomers and building strong communities.

“Let the great words of antiquity echo forth ever louder today: Welcome the foreigner. Treat them kindly. For if you’re like most of us, you too were once a foreigner yourself,” Glickman said.

“Our community will be great only to the extent that we continually affirm our great tradition of welcome and remain resolute in our opposition to those who would have us turn away the outsider.”

Rev. Erin Klassen of Scarboro United Church said many Albertans are descendants of immigrants and refugees who came to Canada seeking safety, opportunity, and freedom, and that newcomers continue to strengthen communities across the province.
“My own family’s story is shaped by immigration, resilience, and the search for a better future. Immigrants have always helped build Alberta and Canada through their courage, hard work, and contributions to our communities. Scapegoating newcomers will not solve the challenges we face. We need to stay focused on building a province where everyone has access to strong public services, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive.” Rev. Erin Klassen said.

Robina Hamdard of Afghan-Canadian Women for Global Corporation spoke about the contributions immigrants make to Alberta and the challenges many face in having their skills and experience recognized.

“Newcomers are not a burden on our communities. They are an asset. They bring skills, education, innovation, cultural diversity, and a strong desire to contribute. They start businesses, create jobs, pay taxes, volunteer, and help strengthen our economy and our social fabric,” Hamdard said.

Darren Weaselchild, Knowledge Keeper, Blackfoot Ceremonialist, and member of the Siksika Nation, connected the referendum discussion to treaty responsibilities and the importance of protecting the common good.

“Natural law teaches us that how we treat one another matters—that dignity, inclusion, and working together are not optional; they are responsibilities we all carry,” Weaselchild said.

“When we teach division, when we blame others, when policies single out groups of people—we weaken that foundation.”

The Calgary Alliance for the Common Good said the campaign will focus on three core actions: Connect, Educate, and Vote.

Over the coming months, the campaign will encourage Albertans to connect with one another, learn more about the referendum questions and their potential impacts, and participate in conversations about the future they want to build together. Organizers will provide educational resources, host community conversations, and encourage civic engagement across the province.

Beginning September 16, the campaign will launch a Get Out the Vote effort to encourage participation in the October 19 referendum. Community members are also encouraged to join the campaign, share campaign messages on social media using the hashtag #VoteForTheCommonGood, and engage friends, neighbours, and colleagues in conversation.

Organizers say the campaign is rooted in a simple belief: Alberta’s future should be built on belonging, dignity, fairness, and the common good of all.