Alberta is going to the poles for a 10 question referendum on October 19, 2026.
As a minority group dealing with disabilities the direction this province moves in the foreseeable future can have huge impacts on our wellbeing. I believe it is imperative for us to be very careful as to how we answer the referendum questions. I have gone to AI (ChatGPT) for an analysis of the questions as well as the possible answers. I also asked Chat GPT to interpret what the government interpretation of the answers might be.
The resulting document is too long to include in the fall newsletter so hopefully you will read it here!
Ther is another great analysis from a group called The Founders. The group members are comprised of the following very respected Albertans. The link at the bottom of this introduction takes you to their site and their take on the referendum. This is a very worthwhile read in my opinion!
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Judith Dyck
A retired communications consultant, Judith provided clients with strategic advice and consultation strategies. In addition to working with health authorities, governments, non profits and others, she’s had the opportunity to volunteer locally and nationally, including chairing the boards of Accreditation Canada, Kids Cottage and CPAR, a Canadian NGO working in Africa.
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Linda Hughes
Linda Hughes is a retired journalist. She was Publisher and Editor of The Edmonton Journal for many years and served on the board of The Toronto Star. She is a former Chancellor of the University of Alberta and was chair of the Alberta Health Services board from 2015 to 2019.
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Peggy Garritty
Peggy is a communications consultant. In addition to writing numerous policy reports, she served as a senior executive responsible for communications, brand and marketing at ATB Financial. She currently serves as co-chair of the board for the Art Gallery of Alberta, chair of the board for Edmonton Screen, and board member for Alberta Ballet and the University of Alberta Hospital Foundation. From 2020-2024, she served as Chancellor for the University of Alberta.
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Marie Gordon
Marie L. Gordon AOE, KC, was a family lawyer in Edmonton for 40 years. She also taught at the Faculty of Law at the University of Alberta, and was a researcher, writer and presenter on a variety of family law topics during her career.
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Sheila Greckol
Sheila Greckol was a labour and human rights lawyer, as well as being active in the community from 1978 to 2001, when she was appointed to what is now the Court of King’s Bench (2001-2016) and the Alberta Court of Appeal (2016-2023). She also served on the Nunavut courts. Sheila was also involved in judicial education nationally and internationally until her retirement in 2023. She now is a member of the Board of Directors of the Alberta Immigrant Women and Children’s Centre in Edmonton.
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Anne McLellan
Anne McLellan served four terms as the Liberal MP for Edmonton Centre, during which she was Deputy Prime Minister of Canada, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Minister of Health, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Minister of Natural Resources. Ms. McLellan serves on the boards of Edmonton Global, the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, the Institute of Corporate Directors and serves on the External Advisory Council of the Transition Accelerator. Ms. McLellan holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Law degree from Dalhousie University and a Master of Laws degree from King’s College, University of London.
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Joanne Pawluk
Joanne is a retired senior executive with extensive experience in economic development, labour force development, immigration, and international and intergovernmental relations. She spent most of her career with the federal government in Alberta and also served as a Canadian diplomat in Hong Kong. Born and raised in rural Alberta, Joanne is an active community volunteer with a longstanding interest in public policy and a commitment to informed public dialogue and civic engagement.
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Doug Stollery
Doug practiced law in Edmonton for 30 years before taking on the role of general counsel to Canada’s largest construction company. He has been actively involved in the community all his adult life, including service as the Chancellor of the University of Alberta and President of the Canadian Bar Association, Alberta branch. Doug is a member of both the Order of Canada and the Order of Alberta Excellence.
