Independence event tonight at college to be met by peaceful demonstration, students say

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 27, 2026.

SUBSCRIBE NOW

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

The Alberta Independence Tour is making a stop in Medicine Hat this evening.

The Rebel News event is being held on the campus of Medicine Hat College from 6-9 p.m.

The event is described in a promotional video as a series of talks focused on the province’s future, rights and place “in, or better yet, out” of confederation. It will feature presentations, an open audience Q&A, a meet-and-greet and the sale of Rebel News merchandise.

Featured speakers include Rebel News Alberta bureau chief Sheila Gunn Reid, Western Standard columnist Cory Morgan and Freedom Convoy leader Tamara Lich.

The college has faced backlash from the community for allowing the tour to use its facilities, but the college has said the booking process for campus facilities does not approve or deny access based on the viewpoints of an organization.

“The college recognizes that this event has caused frustration, disappointment and anger for some members of the community,” reads a statement posted to the college website. “At the same time, protecting freedom of expression is a foundational principle in post-secondary education.”

Students at Medicine Hat College have organized a peaceful demonstration before the event, encouraging protestors to occupy as many parking spaces as possible before the event from 5:15-6:15 p.m.

“The college is correct; there is no legal wrongdoing going on here,” wrote organizers Jesse Hento and Alex Hammond in an open letter. “They have the right to assembly, and the college has the right to host this tour stop. We are not calling for a protest, we are calling for a demonstration.

“Canada is not a perfect country and we acknowledge there is still a lot of work to do, but it is our home and it is worth standing up for.”