Forever Canadian ordered to disclose referendum advertising expenses

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 03, 2026

Photo Courtesy: CBC News

Elections Alberta has entered into a compliance agreement with Forever Canadian, requiring the group to disclose certain expenses and contributions related to its campaign surrounding Alberta’s referendum on separation.

The organization, which advocates for Alberta to remain part of Canada, had previously held public events promoting Canadian unity. Elections Alberta said those earlier activities were generally not considered referendum advertising because they did not have the significant purpose of promoting or opposing the referendum question.

However, the Election Commissioner identified more recent occasions where speakers at Forever Canadian events specifically referred to the separation referendum and took a position on the question. The group has also informed Elections Alberta that it intends to engage in referendum advertising.

Under the agreement, Forever Canadian must distinguish referendum advertising contributions from other donations on its website. It must also include expenses from events where speakers promoted or opposed the referendum question in its financial reports.

The reporting requirements cover certain events held on or after August 20, 2026, including a YouTube town hall recorded in West Edmonton Mall and Unity Bus tour events. The agreement will remain in effect until the group completes its financial and reporting requirements for the 2026 referendum.

Forever Canadian leader Thomas Lukaszuk said the organization had been working with Elections Alberta and understood that promoting Canadian unity generally was different from campaigning on the specific referendum question. He said the group agreed to become a third-party advertiser when it shifted toward explicitly encouraging Albertans to vote in the referendum.

The case highlights a distinction in Alberta’s election-finance rules between general political advocacy and advertising aimed at influencing a specific referendum vote. Experts cited by CBC said the situation also raises questions about whether existing rules are suited to referendums and other forms of direct democracy.

The compliance agreement comes as Alberta approaches its October 19 referendum, putting the province’s relationship with Canada and the rules governing referendum campaigns at the centre of the political debate.