Long-term impacts of the possible Alberta separation referendum will shape its future, no matter how a likely (October) Alberta Separation Referendum is worded. A significant “Yes” would arguably, in the long run, mean joining the United States. The speaker will provide context and highlight the many unintended consequences of not only a referendum, but what Albertans would be faced with, should the separatists actually win the vote.

The United Farmers of Alberta governed Alberta for 14 years from 1921 to 1935 and even held seats in Parliament. After their tenure, the Social Credit Party, which was largely an agrarian party, established the Alberta Treasury Branch to compete against eastern bankers. The Western Canada Concept Party elected an Alberta Member of the Legislative Assembly in 1980. The Reform Party started in 1981 was another expression of Western discontent with Confederation. Now it appears that the Alberta government, led by Premier Danielle Smith. may have set an official course toward separation with the Alberta Sovereignty Act in 2022. This year, a group calling themselves “The Alberta Prosperity Project” launched a separation petition which, if garnishing enough signatures, probably will lead to an Alberta separation referendum later in 2026.

Speaker: Tom Sindlinger

Sindlinger is an International Economic Analyst (19 projects across 12 countries) with a Master of Arts in Economics. He was an MLA of the Alberta Legislative Assembly from 1979-82 where he was a member of the Heritage Trust Fund ($17 billion) Committee. Tom is the author of three books.

Sindlinger grew up in Lethbridge and was captain of LCI’s Alberta basketball champions, captain and quarterback of LCI’s undefeated football team. Starred as Western Canada University All-Star basketball player and was a member of the 1962 Lethbridge Broders Chinooks, Canadian Senior Men’s Basketball Champions. Tom was Inducted into the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame in 1985 and into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2014

Date/Time: Thursday, February 26, 2026. The presentation begins at 12 noon & concludes at 1 pm.

Cost is free, donations however, are gratefully accepted.

Location: SACPA sessions are held at Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO), Atrium Dining Room, 500 - 11 Street South, Lethbridge

Lunch and Refreshments: If you like, please arrive early to patronize the LSCO cafeteria and enjoy their excellent variety of good-value food/drink options in the Atrium Dining Room ahead of the session