Moving forward together after the referendum

Posted on November 6, 2026 by admin

Vamini Selvanandan

The Alberta referendum is behind us, the lawn signs have come down, and after ten days of waiting, the final results are in. Albertans have spoken loud and clear on the question of remaining in Canada. Three out of four voters chose Option 1, to remain in Canada. But that means nearly a quarter of voters chose to begin the legal process toward a binding referendum on separation.

How do we move forward as a province and a people after this kind of division and difference of opinion?

The people who voted differently from us are our family, our friends, our neighbours, our colleagues. We have much more in common with them than we have differences. We rely on them for advice and support, and they rely on us for help and encouragement. We stand with them when things get tough, and they celebrate with us when we enjoy good fortune.

To move forward, we have to start by finding the common ground that unites us. And this may be easier than we think. Whatever option we supported, many of us were motivated by the same hopes for Alberta: a strong, vibrant province where we can work, raise our families and build a future.

This does not mean that we always need to agree. Disagreement on priorities, policies and actions to solve collective problems is a healthy and necessary part of democracy. But the way we disagree must strengthen democracy, not undermine it. We need to recognize those who think differently from us as fellow citizens with an equal right to be heard, not as enemies or a personal threat. We need to listen to our neighbours with compassion and empathy to understand what life is like for them and to appreciate their point of view.

Some Albertans feel their concerns have gone unheard or that Alberta has been treated unfairly within Confederation. Others believe our future is stronger within Canada. Many may hold both views. Understanding these concerns, even when we disagree with the proposed solutions, is an important starting point. It is through learning how to engage constructively with views that are different from our own that we can strengthen our democracy and our communities.

Respectful disagreement does not mean tolerating intimidation, deliberate misinformation or attempts to undermine democratic institutions. We must defend the democratic principles that allow all of us to participate freely and fairly. And we cannot withdraw from civic life or politics because it is hostile, exhausting or unpleasant. When this happens, we give more influence to those who are most vocal, uncompromising or motivated by division. For democracy to survive and thrive, we need to participate actively in our communities. Civic engagement through voting, discussing public policy, volunteering and running for political office is not an abstract idea but a skill that must be practised regularly by all of us.

The antidote to hostile exchanges on social media is joining community groups and committing to solving problems together with our neighbours. Consider joining a neighbourhood association, attending a town council meeting or helping organize a community clean-up. Or simply have a conversation with someone whose vote surprised you, not to change their mind but to understand why they voted the way they did.

The referendum asked us to choose between two paths for Alberta’s future. The ballots have been counted, but the work of building that future continues. And whatever option we chose, we will be doing that work alongside the same neighbours, friends and fellow citizens who voted differently from us.

Vamini Selvanandan is a rural family physician and public health practitioner in Alberta. For more articles like this, visit http://www.engagedcitizen.ca.