Should Alberta leave Canada or fight to make Confederation work? A live public forum will put the province’s options to the test
EDMONTON — Albertans will be asked to confront three competing choices for the province’s future—separate from Canada, prepare for a changing relationship with Ottawa or stay and strengthen Confederation—during a live public forum Sept. 10.
The KEI Network will host Justa Chat: Why Alberta, Canada? at 7 p.m. MDT as an online public discussion examining what each choice could mean for Alberta economically, politically and constitutionally.
Alberta constitutional and property-rights lawyer Keith Wilson will present the case for separation. Called to the Alberta bar in 1995, Wilson has represented landowners, industry groups and nonprofit organizations in matters involving agriculture, energy development, environmental regulation and government authority. He is the founder of Alberta’s Next Step and a prominent advocate for Alberta independence.
Veteran Alberta entrepreneur Bill Jones, who has more than four decades of experience in international business and digital infrastructure, will present a third option he calls “Prepare.” Rather than advocate immediate separation or defend the status quo, Jones argues Alberta should prepare for a changing relationship with Ottawa and strengthen its ability to respond to whatever comes next. The forum will challenge him to explain what that would require and where it could ultimately lead.
The audience will play an active role rather than simply ask questions. While Wilson makes the case for separation and Jones argues for preparing for a changing relationship with Ottawa, viewers will be invited to challenge both positions and make the case for staying in Canada.
KEI Network founder Perry Kinkaide, a strategic adviser whose career has spanned technology, public policy and organizational leadership in government and the private sector, will interview Wilson and Jones and moderate the discussion.
The forum will examine Alberta’s grievances within Confederation, the practical options available to the province, constitutional and economic obstacles, Indigenous rights, investment and trade, and the implications for Alberta’s relationships with Canada and the United States.
“This is not a debate that should be reduced to slogans, anger or predetermined conclusions,” Kinkaide said. “Albertans deserve an opportunity to hear the alternatives challenged openly, respectfully and on their merits. Whether the answer is to separate, prepare or stay, informed citizens must understand what each choice could mean.”
Viewers from Alberta and across Canada are invited to attend and participate.
Event details
Justa Chat: Why Alberta, Canada?
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026
7 p.m. MDT
Live via Zoom
Moderator: Perry Kinkaide, KEI Network
No registration is required.
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84258596166?pw..
About the KEI Network
The KEI Network is an independent forum that brings together informed contributors and engaged citizens to examine important public issues through articles, webinars and moderated conversations. Its purpose is to encourage greater awareness, respectful disagreement and informed public participation.
Media contact
Perry Kinkaide
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 780-990-5874
Website: KEInetwork.net
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