The independence of Alberta is the Canadian issue of our times. This and columns that will follow, review the path forward. HP.In any discussion of Western independence, the inclusion of Saskatchewan is imperative. Over a range of issues regarding independence, it polls almost identically to Alberta. Further, not only does it add half of Canada’s current conventional oil production, world-leading reserves and production of potash and uranium, more than half of Canada’s arable land and an array of minerals, but Saskatchewan also prevents detractors from isolating Alberta.It is also likely any initiative will ultimately spread into British Columbia (certainly the oil and gas-producing northeast of the province,) and perhaps also the more northerly coastline, already a natural gas hub.The cultures of Alberta and Saskatchewan are very similar. While Manitoba is certainly west of Toronto, its significant hydroelectric power and distinctive history and culture suggest it is a midwestern province..A nation can be defined simply as a group of people who want to do great things together. This certainly does not however, describe Canada. Save for southern Ontario, it is comprised of a thin population spread across a geography second only in width to Russia. Atlantic Canada is historically dependent on Ottawa and is inclined to support the hand that feeds it. As for Quebec, it has more attributes of a country than Canada itself.The base case for citizenship is Ontario, with by far the largest and most diverse population (excepting perhaps the Lower Mainland.) Ontario has accepted the distinctiveness of Quebec, which periodically and strategically threatens separation. The Laurentian Elite, named after the headwaters of the Saint Lawrence River, is a cozy political cabal. With a few exceptions, Quebec supports the federal Liberal Party, which grants special rights (some admittedly historical) or ignores captured powers not available to other provinces..More straightforward Westerners have little or no say in the formulation of policies from Ottawa. The culture of the prairies is vastly different, and increasingly so, from that of the Greater Toronto Area. Ironically, we are ever more like Quebec with respect to opposition to the increasing incursions of the feds into provincial prerogatives.The House of Commons, usually elected before votes are counted at the Manitoba/Ontario border, does not enable a stable and productive federation. Au contraire, it is the source of much division and unfairness in Canada. There is something missing here — for example, if Alberta and Saskatchewan were a US state, they would have more say in the governance of its 340 million people than they do in Canada..From the crisis of the National Energy Program to the recent lost decade of the Trudeau years, the interests and perspectives of the West are largely irrelevant in Ottawa. Worse, the lack of political power has resulted in full-frontal attacks on our interests and dignity, and limits opportunities for Westerners to be full participants as Canadian citizens.It has become increasingly obvious that the West will be passive no longer. Political dominance is offset by the economic strength of Alberta and Saskatchewan, ergo the persistent attacks on our prosperity. The second Trudeau reign of error has created an unprecedented array of protest groups. Here is a partial list — the Alberta Republicans (now contesting the Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills byelection, the Independence Party of Alberta, the Alberta Institute, the Wild Rose Independence Party, the Wild Rose Loyalty Coalition, the Alberta Advantage Party, the Buffalo Project, and the Alberta Prosperity Project. And so on.It is unimaginable that in a federation, two provinces have seen the need to add a layer of legal protection from the federal government — the Sovereignty Act in Alberta and the Saskatchewan First Act. .So, all this and more leads to a question for the naysayers who present themselves as patriots, content to remain lesser Canadians. Does this just mean continuing as helpless targets of the Keith Davey strategy of “Screw the West, we’ll get the rest”?It is fair to oppose the examination of some level of independence. But, what alternatives are they proposing versus continued acquiescence?These malcontents, satisfied as second-stringers and including socialists and big-government aficionados, are inherently centralists.Like too many Central Canadians, they are also uncomfortable with the entrepreneurial instincts of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and others in the West. Many are resentful of the success and prosperity of those willing to risk their capital to find and develop wealth-creating commodities.The cries to shut down any conversation about alternatives for improvement are surely further validation that socialism always requires reduced freedom. This is no longer 1905, and for Canada to succeed, it needs to evolve, and, among other imperatives, expand decision-making beyond the Laurentian Elite..The outburst of resentment is not new but it is more intense, and backed by serious people who one way or another, will drive change. If Central Canada is unwilling to broaden the cozy cabal, the winds of change from the West are blowing stronger. In the absence of acknowledgment of the problem and adult conversations, the current leadership in Alberta and Saskatchewan is no longer willing to continue as supplicants — no more “please allow us to build infrastructure” or condescending promises of “just transition.” The tone of defiance is hardening.And to those content with our inferior stature, does supporting a failing and exclusive decision-making process make you more patriotic than those who want better and more inclusive policies? Would not, for example, a real Senate that reflects Canada’s diversity and geography lead to better outcomes, than those of the lost decade?We can and need to do better. Imagine if all regions could pursue their comparative advantages, encouraged rather than impeded by a more inclusive and strategic federal leadership.Regrettably, it appears we in Alberta and Saskatchewan have to go it alone, and popular support for that outcome is growing, the rewards more appealing, and the clock ticking.
