Pro-Separatist Billboard Sparks Alberta Independence Rally in Taber

A pro-separatist billboard in the southern Alberta town of Taber became the focal point of a rally supporting Alberta's independence on Sunday.

Despite strong winds and heavy rain, about 150 people attended the demonstration organized by the group Cruise to Alberta Independence.

The guest of honour was Cory Morgan, who paid for the controversial billboard and refused to remove it despite an order from the Town of Taber, which declared it a public nuisance.

Morgan said the billboard has been paid for until Tuesday and will likely be taken down afterward. However, he argued that the town's actions have actually helped his separatist campaign by drawing more attention to it, and he plans to use his resources elsewhere for the remainder of the campaign.

Albertans are scheduled to vote on October 19 on whether the province should remain in Canada or move forward with a binding referendum on separating from the country.

Morgan said the incident sends a message to other municipalities across Alberta not to interfere in what he described as a civilized and democratic debate over the province's future.