Hi all.
It seems that the table turned on Saturday. Now that we’ve spent the past several months working hard to comply with what the premier said were the rules and criteria for her to take the WNC petition to referendum along with the other 9 or 10 issues on the ballot, it’s as though we have been redacted. If you haven’t seen it on social media or elsewhere, here’s what Corb Lund and the team just delivered today.
“Thousands of Albertans spent weeks collecting signatures in snow, sleet, rain, and occasional sunshine; and thanks to that grit and determination, we delivered more than 200,000 signatures to Elections Alberta last week to protect the water we drink.
You folks did an amazing job and I’ll be proud for the rest of my life to have fought that battle with you. Massive thank you to our thousands of intrepid canvassers. You guys really delivered and should be very proud of your work.
Danielle Smith gave us her word back in February:
“Whether it’s the independence petition or the coal petition, if they get the requisite number of signatures, our intention would be to put those on the ballot at the same time.” [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/corb-lund-citizen-petition-coal-9.7101200]
On Saturday she broke that promise, and is doing everything she can to keep Water Not Coal from being on the referendum ballot in October.
I think it’s disgusting to put out a challenge to Albertans, watch them break their backs and devote thousands of hours to achieve their goal, then pull the rug out from under us. It is despicable and dishonest, and I’m not going to stand by and let her get away with this without a very big fight.
The fact is, Smith can put Water Not Coal on the ballot herself via ‘Order in Council,’ just like she said she would in February, just like she did with all 10 other questions that are currently on the ballot.
She can do it, but she’s choosing not to. She’s treating Water Not Coal differently, because she thinks she can.
But we’re fighting back. Our mountains and water are too important to trust to politicians who have clearly forgotten who they work for. (Hint: They work for us, for Albertans, not an Australian billionaire, or profit-driven coal companies.)
We’re ramping up for a battle.
Here are 3 things you can do to help today:
1. Re-Commit to the Rockies and clean water. We’re building a team for this next phase and want your help. If you want to be part of our growing ground team of volunteers, let us know.
https://next.waternotcoal.ca
2. Get loud. Post to social media and have your say in the comments section. Tell her to keep her word, and demand Water Not Coal’s question be added verbatim, just as it appears on the petition sheets, to the October 19 ballot. Tag your friends, and tag your MLA.
3. Consider helping us out financially. Times are tight, but if you can help fund the fight back campaign, please consider make a donation to Water Not Coal. Even $50 helps. We have been very responsible in allocating the donations we receive to achieve maximum success and will continue to do so, you have our word. Your support at this critical time could mean the difference between getting on the ballot and getting lost in the legislative calendar.
https://secure.waternotcoal.ca
Thanks again for everyone’s support. I had no illusions this would be over quickly but I didn’t expect the Premier to behave so dishonourably, this quickly. We are not letting go of this after all our work.”
Sincerely,
Corb Lund and the Water Not Coal Team
Well, are we surprised? I would say not at all. Direct democracy my foot!
Anyone who expected that wench to keep her word is a fool.