Well, where to begin with this? If you’re online to discuss the benefits of Alberta as a “country” of its own, undoubtedly you will come across a “Loyalist” or a “Pro-Canadian” who will insult someone who believes Alberta would be better as its own country.
Loyalists tend to be those who still support the British fighting against the USA in the Revolutionary War in 1775-83 (1). Their goal seems to be keeping Canada open to refugees from America, and all over the world (See para. “Legacy in Canada”) (2). Interestingly, they refer to themselves as, “developing separately into an independent Canada” (“Legacy in Canada,” para. 3). So, in essence, perhaps they could be considered “traitors” themselves; as they wanted to be “independent” from the Republicans fighting for freedom against the British.
Much of the “traitor” language online concerning pro-Albertans is likely not from the United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada – Edmonton Branch. It is the “pro-Canadian” type that seems very emotional about Alberta Independence. These types often are educated with the “values” in Canadian schools. As such, these seem more like the Jagmeet Singh types, the leader of the NDP. Even Carney supporters in Ontario, who want more of a reasonable discussion, tend not to refer to “Pro-Albertans” as a “traitor”. This suggests this behaviour is more prevalent within the NDP members of society.
Whatever Opens Dialogue is Best
There are a number of ways to deal with this accusation of “traitor”. One way is to say, “One cannot be a ‘traitor’ to a country that doesn’t exist”. This often closes the discussion; but, it doesn’t open the discussion, either.
It may be better to say, “Canada itself was developed into an independent nation from America against the British. So, all Canadians would be ‘traitors’ if we think this way”.
A third option is, “I simply want the best for my people who have been treated unfairly”. It is suggested that whatever “opens the dialogue” to a productive conversation is the best for Alberta.
Just as Canada was started for refugees of American Republicanism, Alberta has now become a place of refugees for those who wish to escape the injustice of the tyrannical government; formed from the Ontario and Quebec alliance. Remember, the “traitor” is seen as a “badge of honour” for those who reject Republicanism. For the Albertan, a “traitor” is one who offers refuge for those to escape what Canada has become. For the Albertan, a “traitor” is a “patriot” for the cause of freedom to live life to the fullest.
WHAT CAN ALBERTANS DO?
Sources:
1) Wilson, B. (2021). Loyalists in Canada. In The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/loyalists
2) United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada (Edmonton Branch). (N.D.). Welcome to United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada (Edmonton Branch). Retrieved from https://ueledmonton.ca/