Approximately 175 representatives from the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good’s 32 member organizations gathered at Scarboro United Church to launch their Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Campaign. This is the second phase of their Vote for the Common Good campaign ahead of Alberta’s October 19 referendum. Alliance member organizations made commitments to mobilize an estimated 16,000 to 20,000 voters.

“When we vote, we do more than mark a ballot. We affirm that every person counts, every voice has value, and every community deserves to be heard. Whatever your views on the referendum questions, I hope Albertans will engage, reflect, and participate in shaping our shared future,” said Rev. Samaya Oakley, Minister of the Calgary Unitarian Church.

The assembly featured personal stories from community members, including immigrants and Indigenous leaders, about what living in Canada and Alberta has meant to them and why they intend to vote.

A GOTV strategy workshop gave participants an opportunity to explore practical ways to encourage others to vote. Members of Alliance organizations exchanged ideas, developed strategies, and committed to secure 16,000 to 20,000 pledges to vote from their communities.

Decisions are made by those who show up,"

said Chris Mah Poy, a member of Scarboro United Church. "It’s critically important that we as an Alliance show up to vote, hold our elected leaders accountable, and be actors with agency in our communities and province. Fundamentally, this referendum is about belonging, and I hope that Albertans will show up and send a clear message that immigrants belong here, that we want real solutions to the problems facing our province, and we belong in Canada."

Opening with a prayer led by Elder Grant Little Mustache and closing with “Song of Solidarity,” the gathering emphasized the relationships and shared responsibility at the heart of the campaign. The next phase will carry that work into communities through conversations, outreach, and support for people to make a plan to vote.

The assembly built on the campaign’s June 3 launch at Central Memorial Park, which drew more than 150 people. Guided by three pillars—Connect, Educate, and Act—Vote for the Common Good encourages Albertans to consider how the referendum questions could affect their communities and whether they reflect their shared values.

Dollars and Cents of Alberta Separation, CTV News [video: introduction and 4:08 mark]

Calgary GOTV Assembly Draws Approximately 175 Participants, Builds Commitments to Mobilize Thousands of Voters, Calgary Alliance [pdf]