THE GOOD AG | SPECIAL EDITION

Alberta's Referendum: Why Farmers Across Canada Should Pay Attention

A provincial vote. A national conversation. Shared pressures.

On Monday, October 19, Albertans head to the polls for a referendum that has sparked conversations about the province's future, its relationship with Canada, and what political change could mean for agriculture.

While the vote takes place in Alberta, the issues extend beyond provincial borders.

Canadian agriculture is interconnected. Farmers across the country rely on interprovincial trade, transportation networks, shared markets, agricultural policies and relationships that don't stop at provincial boundaries.

Changes affecting one province can have implications for producers elsewhere.

For some, the referendum brings hope for change. For others, it raises concerns about economic stability, relationships, and what the future might look like. Some may feel caught in the middle, unsure what to think or how to prepare.

Regardless of where you farm or how you feel about the referendum, uncertainty can add pressure.

And that makes this conversation relevant to all of us.

Five Ways Farmers Can Manage Uncertainty

At Ag Care Connect, we're not here to tell anyone how to vote or what political position to take.

We're here to recognize that political uncertainty can affect our wellbeing, relationships, decision-making and sense of security.

We've published a new article exploring the Alberta referendum through an agricultural lens, including why farmers across Canada may want to pay attention.

It also offers five practical strategies for navigating uncertainty, managing pressure and maintaining connections when conversations become difficult.

Whether you're hopeful, concerned, undecided or simply watching from another province, we invite you to read it.

Different Perspectives. Shared Communities.

We don't have to agree on every political issue to care about one another.

Farmers face enough pressures without feeling that differences of opinion must divide families, neighbours or agricultural communities.

We can listen without agreeing. We can ask questions without arguing. And we can recognize that someone else's hopes or concerns may be different from our own.

Connection doesn't require agreement.

Need Someone to Talk To?

Sometimes we don't need advice or answers. We just need someone to listen, help us sort through what we're feeling, or give us space to talk things through.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, worried about the future, or simply want to debrief with someone outside your immediate circle, support is available.

Ag Care Connect helps Canadian farmers and farm families find mental-health resources and services across the country.

Explore available resources in your province, including agricultural mental-health organizations, counselling options and other sources of support.

You can also access our free, anonymous, on-demand tools to help identify pressures, reflect on how you're doing, and consider your next steps.

​FIND SUPPORT AND RESOURCES BY PROVINCE HERE →​

If you or someone you know is experiencing a suicide crisis, call or text 988 anywhere in Canada.

What Are You Hearing in Your Community?

We'd also like to hear from Canadian producers.

How are conversations about the Alberta referendum affecting your farm, family or community?

Are there concerns you think deserve more attention? Opportunities you hope others will consider? Questions you feel aren't being answered?

Our anonymous Talk Back page is an opportunity to share your perspective.

From Shawna

Whatever happens on Monday, Canadian farmers will continue to need one another.

We will still depend on relationships, cooperation and communities where people can talk openly, even when they disagree.

The outcome of a referendum may be uncertain. But we can still choose how we treat one another while navigating that uncertainty.

Your wellbeing matters. And so does the wellbeing of the farmer on the other side of the fence.

Let's continue to Grow Well Together.

Shawna Percy

Producer, Founder

→ Visit Ag Care Connect​

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Growing Well Together.

One conversation. One tool. One small step at a time.