Preston Manning to Co-Lead Virtual Forum on Western Grievances Ahead of Alberta Vote

Preston Manning, the ex-leader of the Reform Party, and former British Columbia premier Gordon Campbell will jointly chair an online public forum on Sept. 19 and 20 to examine long-standing Western Canadian grievances with the federal government. The event is timed ahead of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s Oct. 19 referendum, which will pose ten questions to voters, including whether to remain in Canada or hold a binding separation vote.

Manning emphasizes that the discussions will be educational, steering clear of the partisan dynamics that have marked earlier panels such as Alberta Next and the Fair Deal panel on which he previously served. Speakers will rotate to present diverse viewpoints, and a subsequent session in October will draft recommendations to be shared with Western policymakers. Manning notes that the concerns voiced in Alberta are shared by other provinces, making the forum’s outcomes relevant beyond the province. He also highlights Smith’s nine additional ballot proposals on immigration, Senate reform and judicial appointments, which she frames as a compromise to address provincial grievances while keeping Alberta in Canada.