Chris Nelson is a Calgary-based regular commentator on Alberta politicsNo, we didn’t take some wild leap into the near future: Wild Rose land remains very much part of Canada, even if some citizens are a little testy about that arrangement these days.But the resurgent movement pushing our province to go it alone is having an effect on the rest of the country today, long before any ‘should we or shouldn’t we’ ballots are eventually printed.Quebec discovered this wonderful tactic more than half a century ago: it’s the threat that counts.Let’s face it, Canada’s been scared silly about annoying La Belle province since separation arose as an integral part of Quebec’s political agenda back in those rebellious 1960s.Since then, much to the chagrin of many ordinary Canadians, it has received preferential treatment from Ottawa. So much so that provincial legislation, which would result in a federal hissy fit were it enacted elsewhere, instead raises barely a stir.For example, take Quebec’s religious symbols law, banning such things as a crucifix to be openly displayed at work by a public employee.This is aligned with current French legislation, dating back to that country’s 1789 revolution. It’s understandable, admirable even, given those historic circumstances. But Quebecers don’t live in France.Such provincial law is so beyond the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms a first-year law student could easily present a winning argument in federal court for its subsequent abolition.But hey, Canada can’t upset that particular dish of poutine. Quebec might pick up sticks and leave.So instead of condemnation the prime minister of that recent day — and Montreal MP Justin Trudeau —barely lifted an expressive eyebrow in response.This stuff has infuriated Western Canadians for decades. But the political make-up of this country ensured the status quo would remain intact, regardless of such angst.So, if you can’t beat them join them.Yes, welcome to the ‘threats are us’ community, Alberta. Don’t worry if fellow-Canadians are angered. In fact, welcome it. At least they won’t ignore you any longer. Look no further than the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford.There he was, back in mid-March, telling the world Canada should consider an energy export tax on US-bound oil. Hold on, did they just find a gusher in Oakville? Did we somehow miss that exciting news on the carbohydrate discovery grapevine?No, of course not. It was Alberta oil that should be slapped with this tax, so that US President Donald Trump would quickly learn it doesn’t pay to mess with Canada by threatening nasty tariffs on such things as Ontario’s automotive industry. “You want to talk about a trump card? That will instantly change the game? When the Americans — and I know the Americans — all of a sudden their gas prices go up 90 (cents) to $1 a gallon.”Ford announced he was going first. Yes, his province would slap a 25-per-cent export tax on Ontario electricity bound for the States.Except, a scant 24-hours later, Ford bent the knee before Trump, the bigger bully, and meekly removed his much-vaunted electricity tariff. Chocolate fireguards have lasted longer.Ah, but Alberta should still carry the can. It would be the standard bearer for Canada.Premier Danielle Smith quickly disabused Ford of such arrogant nonsense.“It’s not an option. I’m not going to agree to do something that will cost hundreds of thousands of Albertans their jobs almost overnight,” she said.But Ford wasn’t alone in pondering using Alberta’s oil as a bargaining chip,Liberal Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson was equally interested.“When we are talking about non-tariff retaliation, it could be about restricting supply, it could be putting our own export duties on products. It could be energy and minerals, ” said Wilkinson at the time. That was then. This is now.True, the Carney government might still shaft Alberta’s hopes of loosening energy laws and regulations that severely handcuff this province.But today it dare not introduce new ones, such as that previously mentioned energy tax on US oil exports.The Grits aren’t yet truly scared. But they’re becoming nervous the golden goose might fly its Canadian nest if rustled too much and yet another anti-Alberta move would do exactly that. That’s because of the rise of independence sentiments. Those who claim it’ll never achieve anything are wrong. It already has.Chris Nelson is a Calgary-based regular commentator on Alberta politics
