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Originally posted by octothorp@May 1 2005, 04:01 PM
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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?
I think its more regionalism than anything else, and Ontario holds the cards. The Liberals simply chase the "median" voter, which is always in Ontario. Liberals were definitely the worst at outright alienating Alberta (and Western Canada), but its not a party thing so much. I think the current Conservative party will fairly represent the West, at least at first. I can see them shifting to being pro-Median Voter, like the Liberals and alienate their power base. Lets not forget the Progressive Party was a Calgary based party too.
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, BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Sask is almost 50/50 left-right as demonstrated by their last election, and everywhere outside the Lower Mainland tends to be very right wing. Plus, Campbell Liberals are pretty much Klein Conservatives, except Ralph calls a cab (bad joke, I know). I don't think the Lower Mainland would hold the balance as much as one would think. Not only does Greater Calgary and the Capital Region outweigh them in citizens, but they aren't all lefties there either, just like how Calgary and Edmonton have their left leanings.
In the "Republic of Western Canada" I would forsee the power being firmly in three cities, Vancouver as the Port, Calgary as the Economic Capital, and Edmonton (yes, Edmonton) as the Capital. Victoria, Regina and Saskatoon would be the second tier.
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?
I'd say my strongest allegience is to City and Province. I also consider myself a Canadian Nationalist... not a patriot. The difference is I believe in the greatness the country could have, not blindly loving the country no matter what. Since I love Alberta first, Canada second... if Canada can't achieve its greatness, I'd rather not be a part of it.
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?
Excellent question. I think Westerners have to feel truly defeated and subjudgated. That, or they need Quebec to leave first. If Quebec leaves, it'll change everything. Quebec's succession means the Canada we know is gone, and its time for everyone to re-evaluate. With Quebec gone, Ontario will be the majority and will make Canada's image completely theirs, and I think that scares Westerners more than Harper scares the East. If Ontario runs the show, visions of NEP will run in their heads. I think Separation is a universally understood Plan B. No one wants a Separatist gov't... yet they expect the PCs to walk away if things become too unbearable.
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?
I think Quebec has every right to leave. Nothing in Confederation says that they can't freely leave if their populace says so, unlike in the United States. Quebec and Alberta's situations are similar and different. I think if the two Premiers sat down, they'd see they have a lot in common. Quebec's is more of being culturally and socially different. While one can prove through social indicators that Alberta is distinct within Canada, our case is more economic and political. That being said, both provinces have a fundamental problem with the way Canada treats them, and if they worked together, they might be able to put enough pressure on the rest of Canada to get change that would keep them in confederation. Sadly, even change in the system can't solve the societal schisms, but it would be a start.