Alberta Separatist Ideas Get Attention, But Plans Are Unclear

There are talks about Alberta wanting to separate from Canada. Some people in the government might be helping this idea. However, it seems there are no real plans yet for what would happen if Alberta did leave. This news explains what is being said and what is known.
By Newsroom | Politics, Alberta |

The ongoing push for Alberta's separation from Canada has gained renewed attention, marked by accusations of political double-dealing and questions about the province's preparedness for such a drastic change. While proponents seek to advance their cause, concerns are being raised about the alignment of political figures and the lack of concrete planning for potential secession.

Man behind the Clarity Act has choice words for Alberta separatists and Danielle Smith - 1

Political Alliances and Separatist Claims

Reports suggest that some members of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's United Conservative Party (UCP) caucus may have lent support to petitions aiming for a provincial referendum on leaving Canada. Chris Bratt, quoted in Global News, indicated that a leader within Alberta's separatist movement claimed these UCP members had signed the petition. However, the movement's representative, Rath, reportedly declined to name the individuals or the number of signatories, citing confidentiality rules surrounding Alberta's petition process. This claim positions Premier Smith as potentially navigating a delicate political path, engaging with both federal and provincial allegiances.

Read More: Government Won't Say Who Top Civil Servant Is, Causing Confusion

Man behind the Clarity Act has choice words for Alberta separatists and Danielle Smith - 2

Province's Preparedness for Secession

While separatist sentiment gains traction, documentary evidence suggests Alberta may not be actively planning for independence. Lennie Kaplan, a former senior manager in Alberta's finance ministry, highlighted that government bodies typically engage in long-term strategic planning and risk management to assess the economic impacts of various policy proposals, including scenarios of national separation. However, a review of Alberta's 2025 budget, which did account for potential impacts of U.S. tariffs, did not reveal similar comprehensive projections for secession. Kaplan suggests this lack of preparedness could indicate that the provincial government is not fully committed to the prospect of leaving Canada, despite appearances. He stated that objective analysis of the impacts should be a priority if secession is a likely outcome.

Man behind the Clarity Act has choice words for Alberta separatists and Danielle Smith - 3

Legislative Changes and Separatist Efforts

Recent legislative actions by the UCP government have been identified as potentially aiding the separatist movement's objectives. An analysis by CBC News suggests that two pieces of legislation have made it easier for proponents of separation to advance their cause, despite the UCP's official stance favoring a united Canada. Separatist leaders have indicated plans to begin canvassing in January to place their referendum question on the ballot, bolstered by this new provincial legislation. Some Albertans have previously expressed discontent with Premier Smith's positions, booing her at times when she has affirmed the benefits of remaining within Canada or highlighted deals with Ottawa. Sylvestre, a figure associated with the separatist movement, expects Premier Smith to remain neutral during their petition drive.

Read More: Bangladesh Votes in First Election After Big Protests

Man behind the Clarity Act has choice words for Alberta separatists and Danielle Smith - 4

The Clarity Act and Secession Requirements

The federal Clarity Act establishes strict criteria for any province seeking to leave Canada. As outlined by Alberta Counsel News, this act mandates that a referendum question must be clear and unambiguous, and the result must demonstrate a clear majority in favor of secession. Following the Supreme Court of Canada's guidance in the Reference re Secession of Quebec, the Clarity Act requires the federal government to review and approve any provincial secession referendum question to ensure it meets the standard of clarity. The House of Commons must ultimately decide if the proposed question adheres to these legislative requirements.

Historical Context and Diverse Independence Visions

The movement for Alberta's independence has a history involving various political groups, such as the Wildrose Independence Party of Alberta and the Independence Party of Alberta. Recent reports indicate external interest, with a senior advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly expressing encouragement for Alberta's separation. Meetings between members of Trump's administration and the Alberta Prosperity Project, a separatist group, have been noted. The British Columbia Premier has publicly labeled such external assistance to separatists as "treason." Adding another layer to the discourse, the Alberta Prosperity Project itself is reportedly re-branding to address scenarios of a sovereign Alberta both within and without Canada, outlining steps toward a renegotiated relationship that includes asserting provincial control over areas like pensions, taxation, and banking.

Expert Analysis on the Situation

Lennie Kaplan, a former senior manager for the Fiscal and Economic Policy division of Alberta’s finance ministry, views the apparent lack of detailed planning for secession as a telling indicator. He argues that comprehensive fiscal and economic projections for such scenarios are standard practice in responsible governance and their absence suggests a disconnect between rhetoric and action regarding independence.

Read More: Big Tech Money Fights AI Rules in US Elections

  • "As part of budget planning, (Treasury Board and Finance) prepares fiscal and economic projections on various hypothetical scenarios such as higher oil prices, lower oil prices, lack of pipeline access, full pipeline access, etc." - Lennie Kaplan

  • "There’s a good possibility that it might be on the ballot…so let’s have an objective analysis of what the impact will be.” - Lennie Kaplan

Conclusion and Lingering Questions

The convergence of political maneuvering, legislative changes, and separatist aspirations has placed Alberta's relationship with Canada under renewed scrutiny. Claims of UCP caucus support for separation petitions, coupled with provincial legislation perceived as facilitating separatist efforts, raise questions about the current political landscape. Simultaneously, the apparent absence of robust governmental planning for potential secession, as suggested by former finance ministry official Lennie Kaplan, contrasts with the public discourse. The federal Clarity Act remains a significant procedural hurdle, requiring unambiguous questions and clear majority support for any secession bid. As these dynamics unfold, the province's direction regarding its place within Canada remains a subject of ongoing debate and examination.

Sources:

Read More: People Talk About Keir Starmer's Job as Labour Leader

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are some Alberta politicians helping the idea of separating from Canada?
Some reports say that members of the UCP party might have signed a petition for a vote on leaving Canada.
Q: Does Alberta have a plan if it separates from Canada?
It does not seem like the government has made detailed plans for what would happen if Alberta became a separate country.
Q: What are the rules for a province to leave Canada?
The federal Clarity Act says the question must be very clear, and most people must vote yes. The national government must also agree to the question.