The Movie Mill has cancelled a booking for the Alberta Independence Tour. (Image Credit: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

The Movie Mill cancels Alberta Independence Tour booking

Feb 10, 2026 | 8:48 AM

A local movie theatre will no longer provide a venue for a separatist movement event.

Rebel News had booked a space at The Movie Mill in Lethbridge for its Alberta Independence Tour on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.

It was set to be hosted by Alberta Bureau Chief Sheila Gunn Reid, Senior Alberta columnist Cory Morgan, and Freedom Convoy organizer Tamara Lich.

Reid said in a promotional video that Albertans have long been told by the federal government to “sit down, shut up and pay the bill.”

The panel had planned to discuss the current state of Alberta-Canada relations, lessons learned from Quebec’s 1995 sovereignty referendum, and the potential impacts of separation.

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The issue of separation has proven to be divisive, with many southern Albertans passionately on either side of the fence.

The “Owners & Operators” of The Movie Mill say in a statement to LNN that it had initially accepted a private theatre rental through their standard booking process, which does not involve screening events based on political, religious or ideological viewpoints.

“As we’ve shared publicly, renting a space does not mean hosting, sponsoring, or endorsing the views being discussed, and we are neither for nor against the subject matter of the proposed event,” reads a statement from The Movie Mill.

After receiving a significant volume of communications and concerns from the public, the theatre has decided to cancel the booking.

“This decision was based on our responsibility to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for our staff, guests, and families — particularly given that many of our employees are young people and students,” they say.

The company says it is first and foremost a family-focused entertainment venue, and when situations arise that create heightened tensions or safety concerns, “we will always prioritize the well-being of our employees and patrons.”

“We remain committed to serving the Lethbridge community through film, entertainment, and positive shared experiences, and we appreciate respectful dialogue around this matter,” say the Owners & Operators of The Movie Mill.

Rebel News stated in a blog on its website that “Left-wing anti-independence activists” are escalating pressure on venues hosting the Alberta Independence Tour.

“Critics of the independence movement argue that public discussion about secession and provincial autonomy is inherently divisive. Rather than engage at the events themselves, anti-independence groups have focused attention on beleaguered venue operators and event organisers, bullying teenage staff,” says Rebel News.

At this time, Rebel News has not confirmed a new location for the Alberta Independence Tour in Lethbridge.

@lethbridgenewsnow The Movie Mill cancels Alberta Independence Tour event in Lethbridge. Learn more at LethbridgeNewsNow.com #YQL #LNN #Lethbridge #TheMovieMill #RebelNews #AlbertaIndependenceTour #Alberta #News ♬ original sound – Lethbridge News Now