What happens when you openly support Alberta independence on Edmonton’s Whyte Ave — one of the city’s most politically progressive and outspoken areas? We walked the street expecting backlash, confrontation, and heckling… but the public reaction surprised us. In this episode of Talking To Albertans, I’m joined by Jason from @AlbertaRadios as we walk down Whyte Ave carrying a large Alberta flag and inviting real, unscripted conversations about Alberta’s future. Known for its strong political opinions and active street culture, Whyte Ave seemed like the last place you would expect support for Alberta independence. But instead of hostility, many people honked, waved, smiled, and stopped to engage in respectful conversation — while critics were far quieter than anticipated. The experience raises an important question: Is Alberta independence becoming a more normalized public discussion, even in places where opposition has traditionally been strongest? This video captures what happens when political debate leaves social media and returns to face-to-face conversation in Edmonton’s public spaces. What We Discuss Alberta Independence & Changing Public Reaction Walking through Whyte Ave revealed a surprising shift in tone. Rather than aggressive confrontation, most reactions were calm, curious, or quietly supportive. The experience suggests Alberta independence may be moving away from being viewed as a fringe idea and toward becoming a topic ordinary Albertans feel increasingly comfortable discussing openly in public. Indigenous Treaties & Opportunities for Indigenous Peoples A significant portion of the conversation explores Indigenous treaties and how Alberta independence could affect relationships between governments and Indigenous nations. Because treaties were signed with the Crown rather than provincial governments, independence raises complex constitutional and moral questions about future negotiations, jurisdiction, and partnership. We discuss how localized decision-making could potentially create new opportunities for economic cooperation and direct dialogue, while recognizing that Indigenous communities themselves must ultimately determine what outcomes best serve their interests and rights. Public Unions, Workers & Governance Reform We also examine how governance structures might evolve in a smaller, more locally accountable country. The discussion considers whether Alberta could design systems that protect workers while reducing political gridlock, exploring how labour relations, strikes, and public-sector accountability might look under different institutional frameworks. Federal Policy, Energy & Western Alienation Long-standing frustrations around federal energy policy, taxation, and political representation are part of the broader discussion. Many Albertans feel decisions affecting the province are often made far from the region itself, contributing to ongoing debates about representation, economic autonomy, and Alberta’s role within Canada. Practical Questions About Independence Throughout the walk, we address real-world questions people frequently raise — borders, defense, infrastructure, economics, and transition challenges. Rather than avoiding difficult topics, the goal is to bring them into open civic conversation and treat Alberta independence as a serious subject worthy of discussion. Why This Video Matters This video isn’t about slogans or online arguments. It’s about testing ideas in real public spaces and seeing how people actually respond. The unexpected reactions on Whyte Ave suggest something deeper may be changing: Albertans appear increasingly willing to discuss their province’s future openly, respectfully, and face-to-face. Whether someone ultimately supports Alberta independence or opposes it, open conversation remains essential to a healthy democracy. Disclaimer I am a private citizen and do not represent Alberta Prosperity Project, Stay Free Alberta or any other organization. My views are my own. Follow & Support X (Twitter): @JonFromAlberta Collaboration with: @AlbertaRadios If you had walked with us that day, what do you think the public reaction would have been? Let me know in the comments — I read every one. Chapters 00:00 — Walking Whyte Ave With an Alberta Flag (What We Expected) 13:28 — Could Independence Change Indigenous Treaty Relationships? 24:10 — Where Are the Hecklers? Public Support Starts Showing 36:00 — Public Unions, Strikes & Rethinking Governance 46:14 — Honks, Waves & Unexpected Support on Whyte Ave 51:42 — How Independence Could Impact Indigenous Communities 01:08:09 — Final Reflections: Is Public Opinion Shifting?
