Alberta is having an identity crisis, and instead of the rest of Canada being dragged into it, it’s time to help it out. It’s time that Alberta had an intervention.
Canadian media reported on Feb.1 that some members of the Alberta Prosperity Project met with some U.S officials. This was for the prospect of the province becoming part of the U.S. British Columbia Premier David Eby called this action “treason.”
Many Indigenous People have denounced the notion of separation, claiming it violates Treaties 6,7 and 8. These Treaties were made with the Crown before Canada became a country.
Instead of denouncing this action, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said these individuals had “legitimate grievances.” Smith’s United Conservative Party (UCP) has no qualms about keeping American sympathizers on its side. It makes sense why she will not denounce these people at any point, lest she lose their support.
Albertan separatists’ wish is to become independent, by joining the U.S as its 51st state. The logic is unassailable.
However, Alberta does have some legitimate concerns. This includes getting ignored by the federal government on issues such as the controversial carbon tax. Policy disputes are a common occurrence, and compromises can be reached through careful negotiation.
What is baffling is that these individuals wish to flee the calm tedium of Ottawa to the chaos and uncertainty of Washington. An ongoing democratic crisis and the fears of a revival in fascism south of the border have done nothing to allay their fears.
But instead of joining the U.S and turning their backs against Canadians, these separatists can do something more creative.
If they believe that Alberta can be bartered or sold in such a way, why exclude the original inhabitants in the first place?
Give it back to the Indigenous Peoples. This can create a historic precedent – the first Canadian province to cede all lands to the Indigenous Peoples.
After all, the land the separatists try to sell off in this way is more sacred to the Indigenous people who occupied it before them. These Indigenous people are not silent, and they have made their voices heard on the prospect of Alberta separating from Canada.
And if the separatists are still interested in going through their American venture, they can choose to call themselves “American.” They can also repatriate themselves, if necessary, to the U.S, where clearly, they feel most at home. The state of Texas is, after all, the most “Albertan” of the U.S states.
Alberta can shock Ottawa and even Washington. They can even shock the whole world and lead the charge in recognizing Indigenous rights. It would be a form of restitution.
All the troubles and grievances that these separatists have will go away. They need not worry or fear about issues on land in a country where they would feel most at home.
This seems to be the best compromise at the moment. With Alberta constantly threatening to break away from Canada, a pact like this would benefit all parties involved. The separatists will be content in Texas, and the Indigenous peoples will have their lands back in Alberta.
This can be a historic coming together, recognizing the past wrongs and making them right in one fell swoop. Something that a first-world country like Canada has been struggling to come to terms with for so long.
Truth and Reconciliation is a hard road, and Alberta is on the cusp of leading Canada on this road, if they so choose. The only question now is whether they would go ahead.
