No premier was elected by telephone voting this week, and no reality-television contestant has taken over the Alberta Legislature. But Alberta’s real politics do not need science fiction to feel unsettled. The province is genuinely debating whether it should leave Canada, and that conversation deserves better than rumor and theater. --------------------------
I am a proud Canadian, born and raised in Montreal. As a child, I lived through the political tensions surrounding Quebec separatism. My family left Quebec for Calgary in 1979, shortly before the 1980 referendum. I remember families relocating, businesses moving, friendships being disrupted and language becoming increasingly political. As a child, I did not understand constitutional theory or economic policy. I understood only that my mother, raising five children, had to start over.
Those experiences have stayed with me.
That is why Alberta’s current separatist debate concerns me. Political frustration is legitimate. Alberta has real grievances worth discussing: energy policy, federal-provincial relations, economic opportunity, representation and the future of Confederation. Canadians should be able to debate all of these issues forcefully.
But separation is different. It should not emerge through whispers, anonymous organization or political theatre. If there are individuals or organizations seriously advocating Alberta’s departure from Canada, Canadians deserve to know who they are, what they propose and what consequences they believe would follow.
If there are individuals or organizations seriously advocating Alberta’s departure from Canada, Canadians deserve to know who they are, what they propose and what consequences they believe would follow.
Put the arguments on the table.
Explain what separation would mean for trade, pensions, currency, Indigenous treaty relationships, borders, defence, energy infrastructure and Alberta’s relationship with the rest of Canada. Explain what problems separation would solve, and what new ones it might create.
Then let Albertans decide what they think.
I also want Alberta’s provincial flag to remain something every Albertan can comfortably display. It belongs to Albertans who favour separation and to the Albertans who proudly identify as Canadian. No political movement should be allowed to claim ownership of a symbol that represents an entire province.
My childhood taught me that debates about identity and belonging can have consequences far beyond politics. Families experience them personally.
So yes, let’s talk about Alberta. Let’s talk about Western alienation, federalism, energy, economic fairness and national unity. Let’s also put those questions in a global context.
But let the discussion happen openly, with evidence, identifiable advocates and Canadians from coast to coast participating.
I have not given up on Canada.
And if others have, I want to hear their case publicly.
Let’s have that conversation now.
Donna Purcell, K.C.