Forever Canadian registers as third-party advertiser ahead of Alberta unity referendum

Ahead of the upcoming Alberta referendum on whether the province should remain part of Canada, Forever Canadian’s founder Thomas Lukaszuk declared the group will become a registered third-party advertiser to actively campaign for the “remain” option. The move follows a year-long effort that saw the group hand out over 80,000 lawn signs and host events such as a Calgary concert supporting Canadian unity. As a third-party advertiser, Forever Canadian must adhere to a $607,000 spending limit and disclose weekly donations, though it has reported raising no funds as of mid-September.

Opponents like Cory Morgan of Pathway to Independence accuse the group of sidestepping disclosure requirements, while academic Lori Williams notes the distinction may be hard for the public to see. Elections Alberta confirmed the organization has not yet engaged in paid referendum advertising, and Lukaszuk maintains the campaign complies with current legislation.