Wilson vs Kenney: Alberta Independence Debates Heat Up

0:00It's March 26, I'm Cory with The Story, and this is Canada News Today, local news powered by AI. A lawyer pushing for Alberta to break away from Canada is gearing up for debates against former Premier Jason Kenney. Keith Wilson, based in St. Albert, confirmed he'll face off an Edmonton on May 2 and Calgary on May 25. The Edmonton event ties into the annual conference of Cvetais Canada, a conservative group. The Calgary One comes from the Aristotle Foundation, a policy think tank. Wilson says these talks will give voters a balanced look at independence options. Kenney, who serves on post-media's board and backs Alberta staying in Canada, hasn't commented yet. He's long-opposed separatism, making this a high-stakes match-up for both sides. Meanwhile, Independence-backer Mitch Sylvestery is racing to collect 177,732 signatures by May. Even for a referendum question on leaving Canada, a vote could happen as early as October. On the flip side, a petition with 456,365 signatures to keep Alberta and Canada sits with

1:06lawmakers. Critics say the review process is moving too slowly, with no first meeting said. These debates could heat up the whole discussion as deadlines approach.