Albertans Rally for Separation, Claim No Change Under Confederation
EDMONTON—Katheryn Speck recounted her past as a Canadian nationalist, reminiscing about journeying across the globe with a maple leaf emblazoned on her backpack and living in Quebec to achieve fluency in both official languages.
However, on Saturday, she joined hundreds of others at the Alberta legislature, rallying in favor of separating from Canada, many brandishing Alberta flags, with some even waving the U.S. Stars and Stripes.
“I once thought it was a beautiful, remarkable country. Now, I’m deeply disappointed. I feel utterly crushed that there’s no chance for us to be represented in this country, and no hope for a change in government,” Speck expressed.
This week, Premier Danielle Smith’s administration introduced legislation aimed at lowering the threshold for calling a referendum. While Smith indicated she wouldn’t presume the questions Albertans might propose for the ballot, the initiative would simplify the process for citizens to initiate a vote on secession from Canada.
The recent election win by the federal Liberals has further fueled some in Alberta to push for an exit from the country.
Speck noted that the National Energy Policy of the 1980s diminished her sense of Canadian pride. A decade of Liberal policies, which she claims have hindered pipelines and impeded the province’s energy sector, has led her to believe there’s no resolution possible under the current Confederation.
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“Once the votes are tallied in Ontario, it’s as if the election is finished. We don’t matter. We have never mattered,” she lamented.
Hannah Henze, a 17-year-old participant at Saturday’s rally, indicated she might feel differently about separation if the Conservatives had emerged victorious.
“If (Pierre) Poilievre had won, I believe we would have had much more optimism. But now with a third or fourth Liberal term, it feels like our country is doomed,” Henze remarked.
Leo Jensen expressed concern that while Canadians fret over losing auto manufacturing jobs due to tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, there’s little attention given to safeguarding jobs in Alberta’s oil and gas industry.
“It’s perplexing how a province like Quebec can accept our oil money but refuses to allow a pipeline through to support an oil refinery in New Brunswick,” Jensen opined.
A small group of counter-protesters tried to overshadow the rally, many wielding signs indicating that separation would breach treaties with First Nations.
Piikani Nation Chief Troy Knowlton stated in a letter earlier this week that he understands the frustrations in the West over their rejection of the federal Liberal party in the recent election, but reiterated that Alberta lacks the jurisdiction to alter or annul treaties.
During her provincewide radio call-in show on Saturday, the premier stated her full respect for treaty rights.
“Every action I take aims at improving Alberta’s relationship with Ottawa. First Nations have their distinct relationship with Ottawa, as enshrined in treaties, which remains unchanged,” Smith asserted.
In March, Smith warned of a potential “national unity crisis” if the next prime minister does not meet her demands within six months, yet reaffirmed this week her support for a sovereign Alberta within a unified Canada.
Rally attendee Susan Westernaier expressed her belief that Alberta’s independence would lead to better outcomes.
“We control the oil and resources. We’re self-sufficient,” Westernaier declared, adding her suspicion that Monday’s election was rigged.
