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From the Greater Edmonton Alliance:

Alberta's Referendum set for October 19th will shape the provincial direction on immigration, the constitution, and our relationship to the rest of the country.

The Referendum questions would have us believe the main issues in Albertans' lives are immigrants and Ottawa. The Greater Edmonton Alliance is running a listening campaign aimed at understanding the deeper issues in our lives and building relationships to act for equity, dignity, and the common good of all. To that end, we are hosting "civic academies" across the Greater Edmonton Area.

Civic academies are town hall-style events aimed at developing civic education on an issue (in this case, the Referendum), build relationships, and listen for stories of pressures in peoples' lives while encouraging public action.

Join us for an interactive, participatory program designed to build our collective power, encourage dialogue, and create direction for our Alliance.

What to Expect

This academy is an opportunity to learn together, hear real stories, and build momentum for meaningful community change. We will:

  • Build relationships across organizations and immigration status: In small group settings, answering the question, "Share a story of how you or your family came to Edmonton, Alberta, or Canada? What supports did you receive?" We'll share stories from newcomers, immigrants who've been here for generations, or from Indigenous participants who have lived here for time immemorial.
  • Listen to personal stories: Hear testimonies from community members directly impacted by the rhetoric and outcomes of the questions on the October 19 Referendum
  • Move from private pain to public action: The October 19 Referendum inaccurately represents the issues in our lives. In small group settings, we'll go beyond the Referendum questions and ask, "What are the pressures on you and your loved ones? Where do you have the energy to act?

All are welcome. RSVP today to help create real change in the Greater Edmonton Area.
September 20, 2026 at 7:00 pm - 9 pm
Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 10037 84 Ave NW
10037 84 Ave NW
Edmonton, AB T6E 2G6
Canada

GEA is also hosting other events at different locations around the Greater Edmonton Area. Visit their website for more information.

City Churches: Central And University
Holy Trinity - Old Strathcona