[Resolute 14]

1: Do you believe that the problem with Alberta's role in Canada is linked to any particular party (the liberals), or to the nature of the country? The liberals are often blamed for alienating the west with NEP and such, but in 1980, Clark's minority government came up with a budget that would have been equally devestating to Alberta, had it been put in place--of course, Clark got the non-confidence heave-ho. Given that, do you trust the current conservative party to fairly represent the west?

Well, first of all, what a different encarnation of the Conservative Party tried to do do 25 years ago is not relevant to the makeup of the current CPC. Doubly so if you believe that the new CPC is simply the Alliance in different colours. If that were true, then it is a completely different party. It would be like blaming the Liberals for an NDP government's ills.

However, no, I dont believe the problems are party based. The problems are rooted in Confederation itself. Any party that wants to govern has to pander to Ontario. Period. While the CPC might toss Alberta bone by accepting our democratically elected senators, they simply could not accomplish the sort of changes that would give Alberta/the West a voice within Confederation as Ontario would very quickly boot them out of office. The CPC would ultimately have to cave to Ontario's wishes if it wants to remain in power past one term.

The only way to heal the inequities within Canada is to remake confederation. The complete disenfranchisement of fully a third of this nation is something that needs to be looked at, but barring an impetus from Ontario to do so, it will never happen. Thus, it becomes in Alberta's best interest to shield itself from Canada as much as possible. The most extreme form of shielding is seperation.

2: What would your ideal western republic be? Alberta? Alberta and BC? Alberta, BC, Sask, Manitoba, etc. Keep in mind issues like the traditionally left-wing roots of other provinces. Would you want to be in a nation where the balance of power rests with the BC lower mainland?

Ideally, the entire West. British Columbia through Manitoba. It isnt very likely, unless Alberta could convince those provinces - BC in particular - that they are better off with us than with Ontario. Within Confederation, I would like to see these four provinces work much more closely on pressuring the federal government. Independantly, Alberta is only 10% of the population. As a bloc, the west is nearly a third of the population.

I would disagree that the balance of power would rest with the lower mainland, however. The Calgary-Edmonton corridor is easily it's match in population and economic impact.

3: What do you feel the strongest allegience to? Your country? Your region? Your province? Your city? Your self? How big a role does the allegiance play in your desires for separation?

To myself first. After that, I am an Albertan before I am a Canadian. I would suggest your last question is backwards. My allegiance to Alberta before Canada is the result of my disenfranchisement and the lack of respect with which Alberta/the west is treated to within Canada. My growing support for seperation is a function of that. It's difficult to believe in a nation that doesnt believe in you.

4: What do you believe it will take, realistically, for Western Canadians or Albertans to embrace separation? How can Western Canadians become united behind the idea of separation when their first priority is supporting the Conservatives to battle the liberals?

Time and a catalyst. Every time Ottawa displays it's arrogant disregard for Westerners - ie: Martin's choices for Alberta's Senators, this discontent will grow. Another NEP would do a lot to channel Alberta's/the west's discontent into a drive towards independence.

5: Are you overall in favour of Quebec's right to separate, or against it? Do you view the situations of the two provinces as similar, or different? How so?

So long as Quebec fairly negotiates it's divorce, I have no problem with them leaving.