From now until the Oct. 19 referendum in Alberta, the Edmonton Journal and Calgary Herald are publishing your thoughts about the upcoming vote and issues related to separation. Here are some of the latest emails we’ve received.
Most people do not want to separate. The premier is not for the separatist movement and most people in Alberta are not. The referendum on whether to have a referendum and your comprehensive coverage should emphasize that most Albertans are not separatists. I dislike how the media convolutes a few Albertans’ feelings for the sake of dramatized news. — Bob Lewis
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I feel very strongly that we should stay in Canada and believe most Albertans feel this way so will vote that way on the referendum. I am a senior and have lived most of my life in Alberta and want to continue living here but if for some reason I am wrong about most people wanting to stay I will definitely be moving most likely to Manitoba.
My daughter a teacher is also thinking the same way. If I have to give up the Rockies I want the gorgeous beaches in Manitoba. — B. MacLean
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United we stand, divided we fall. When we compare our situation to anywhere else in the world, we are fortunate. Why change to the unknown? I feel separatists may still be living in the Trudeau era and, to be blunt, have little respect for our fellow Canadians. It’s so easy for anyone, including separatists, to make grandiose claims that, in reality, are far from factual.
Separatists I talk with cannot answer simple questions such as: what will be the monetary system, military (including NATO commitments), border security and the huge new costs of duplicating the numerous government agencies that currently exist federally?
Yes, it is conceded that there should be improved federal-provincial working relationships. Negotiations can solve most problems. Today, there seems to be a willing partner in Ottawa to address these issues. — Jim Fisher
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In Canada we are living through a period of deliberate noise. Across the country, and especially in Alberta, grievance has become a political resource. It is repeated, amplified, and rewarded by political actors like Danielle Smith and Pierre Poilievre for their own gain, regardless of the harm it causes to Alberta and Canada. Aggrieved entitlement, when stated repeatedly by leaders, makes people think this cultivated narrative is true. It is not. But with repetition, it becomes normalized, and pushes the Overton window to further extremes.
The referendum and its questions are not something the majority of Albertans asked for, and instead, are UCP-driven. Furthermore, as openly stated by Danielle Smith, they are phrased with an intended outcome in mind. They are divisive, racist, anti-immigrant, anti-constitutional, and anti-Canadian. They are clear tell of the way Smith and the UCP think and govern.
There are better ways of dealing with aggrieved entitlement rather than separation. But the UCP, and for that matter Poilievre, lack the capability and will to negotiate for a united Alberta and Canada. Depending instead, on pandering to their right-wing, anti-Canadian supporters who keep them in place for now.
We all would do well to remember that united we stand, divided we fall. — C. Rupcich
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Alberta must have this referendum, it’s the only way to “blackmail” Ottawa. Quebec has done it several times and despite having failed to get its independence , Quebec received more from Ottawa that it expected (immigration, foreign representation, own managed CPP as well as other social benefits, etc…).
Alberta cannot keep going on supporting financially the other provinces without even getting a “thank you”. The Crown is Canada’s gangrene. The time of loyalism is finished and outdated. All provinces which have a flag with the Union Jack on it are pulling under the rest of Canada.
The last 10 years have shown that the Laurentians have no intention to reform the country, they still rule with the same moto: “Divide to conquer”. — P. Wahle
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It is what it is. Let them blow off some steam no harm done. — R. Lenker
Alberta Voices is an Edmonton Journal/Calgary Herald project that amplifies Albertans’ thoughts on separation-related issues. Send your opinion, to be considered for publication, to edm-feedback@postmedia.com with the subject line Alberta Voices.