Quote:
Originally Posted by karl262
It's pretty easy to understand that the concerns of some who would like more autonomy from Eastern Canada are very legitimate. Wikipedia sums it up pretty well:
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_separatism
This is a sample of some of the grievances from the past, and as we see more money every year funneled to eastern provinces it only verifies that they see us very much like an ATM machine. So there's that.
Politically we are different as well, with different beliefs on just about everything from economic priorities to social issues (which should be all too obvious right now).
As for the population being too small for such a large country, the opposite is true, that in a resourced based economy a high population density just wouldn't work. Being a resource based economy is a good thing in the world of today, as energy and food will always be in demand. The last thing you would want in todays world is to be in manufacturing in North America, which is exactly Quebec and Ontario and why they are going deeper and deeper into debt.
There are other reasons too, such as unequal representation by population in parliament.
Anyways, western separation is an extreme view that took time to grow out of this ongoing situation. I don't think it will ever happen and it would be a sad day if Canada were to ever break up, but in the very least we need to be a little more aggressive with eastern provinces in addressing them.
Basically, all I would like to see is Alberta distance itself somehow from Quebec if they pass this legislation as it does not reflect our values in any way, shape or form in any respect. |
It's not to say that those issues aren't there, just that they are wildly overstated. Like many emotional arguments they sound good, but kinda pale with a closer look. Like Quebec separatism it's seems more whining than substance. At least Quebec has much larger cultural examples to point at. Alberta being slightly more conservative is hardly here nor there. Someone has to be at one end of the spectrum. We're still far less conservative that 95% of the States (possibly counting pockets in LA, San Fran, and Vegas, haha). So I'm not sure how one feels there is enough cultural difference there to warrant a new country.
As far as under representation goes, it's a problem most of the provinces have. And not at the benefit of Ontario or even Quebec may I add, but the maritime provinces and the territories, because their population is so low. (Actually Quebec may be 1% over or something, but it's miniscule.)
Also, it's not nearly as dramatic as many people would have you believe. I'm trying to look up some numbers now, but I'll post them later. I remember seeing them after the last federal election. The thing is, it makes sense, and is necessary, though it seems unfair. You can't give PEI no say for instance. So of course they are going to be over represented in relation to their population.
I agree with you on this issue of course, but as I've said before, it looks like it's going to be much ado about nothing. Canada will defend it's charter over Quebec's if it goes that far, which I don't think it will, and they will win. The Canada Charter of Rights and Freedoms has to be followed by all provinces including Quebec, and can be enforced by the Supreme Court if need be. Yes it's annoying and a little embarrassing, but in the grand scheme of things it's hardly indicative of a huge problem between our provinces. It's just another stupid Quebec thing.
The thing to remember is, it isn't even all of Quebec. It doesn't even look like it's the majority. It's just the loud minority and a bull headed premiere. It's tempting, even for me to paint this situation with a wide brush, but there have been many detractors to come out against this bill in Quebec, even an MP who lost her job today. The commerce board of Montreal also came out against it today.
The PQ just got back in power last election cycle. And they may lose the next if they keep doing things like this. And the BQ is down to what, 3 seats? The separatist parties will go through their cycles, but they're not the power they used to be, and it's doubtful they ever will be again. Which may be why they are trying this move now. They see the writing on the wall. Unfortunately, for Ms. Marois, it was a dumb move right from the start.
It's good to celebrate our differences in Alberta as opposed to the rest of Canada, and even point out what we think is wrong in situations like this, but there isn't enough to even think separation is a smart or necessary idea. Like I said, for lack of a better word it just seems lame. It's like a kid who didn't get their way and so they run away from home.