APP Volunteer Writer
If Alberta becomes an independent country, one of the first questions some Albertans would have is: what happens to my Canadian citizenship? APP has addressed this1, but it’s worth a revisit. After all, lots of people are proud Albertans and proud Canadians. The good news for them is that in most cases, keeping your Canadian status while also holding citizenship in a new Alberta nation, is not only possible, it’s almost assured.
This is the message many independence fence-sitters may have been waiting for.
Speak to any one in the independence movement and you’ll quickly realize, their issues aren’t with the country, the people of Canada or even the other provinces. The problem is Ottawa. And maybe not even that; it’s one particular hill in the Capital that so many take issue with. The life re-evaluating challenges stemming from the overbearing, over-stepping policies of an increasingly radical federal government. Too often, these plans work against the best interests of the people.
For people ok with that, here’s how dual citizen Albertans might come to be. Canada recognizes multiple citizenships. That means you can be Canadian and also a citizen of another country or two. That could be the U.K., the Philippines, or perhaps, Alberta. So when Alberta independence prevails, Ottawa wouldn’t automatically strip away Canadian citizenship from people born or living here. If you were Canadian before independence, you’d almost certainly remain Canadian afterward, at least at first.
The bigger question becomes: would Alberta require you to choose between being Canadian or being “just Albertan”? Some countries don’t allow dual citizenship. But in all likelihood Alberta would want to keep strong ties with families, businesses, and communities across the current borders. It’s in the best interest of all to allow people to keep both. That way, Albertans could carry both passports, travel freely, and still enjoy the benefits of being connected to Canada. They’d be free to galavant, pay the excessive consumer taxes, abide by the restrictive laws and experience all the beautiful options that Canada offered.
For folks born in Alberta before independence, their Canadian citizenship would be secure. For children born after independence, the rules would depend on agreements between the two countries. For example, kids of Canadian citizens usually inherit that citizenship, even if they’re born abroad2. So if you’re an Albertan with Canadian roots, you could likely pass along Canadian citizenship to your children.
Practically speaking, if you wanted to maintain your Canadian status, the safest step would be to make sure your Canadian passport stays valid and to keep up with any requirements Canada sets for citizenship abroad (like renewing documents on time). For some people, applying for proof of citizenship through Canadian parents or grandparents might also be an option, just as it is today.
Independence would be a big change, no doubt. But it wouldn’t erase the romance, nostalgia, history, identity or any other reason an Albertan might want to remain a Canadian. Many Albertans would still have deep family and cultural ties to Canada. Dual citizenship recognizes that reality. One could celebrate Alberta’s independence while still keeping that maple leaf close to your heart. It’s a win/win/win.
So, when Alberta realizes independence, rest assured: being an Albertan and a Canadian at the same time would very likely remain possible. “Forever Canadian”, they remain. Even in a newly independent nation. What a wonderful option. For everyone.
Show Your Commitment to Alberta Independence
Ready to raise your flag? Visit our Print Resources page to find a list of Alberta Flag suppliers. Let’s see flags flying from porches, trucks, balconies, and barns.
Download the Alberta Crest here.
We invite all Albertans to download the social images and share them on your platforms, in your communities, and across every corner of this province. Attend a town hall to grab the new design on shirts.
Download and Share the Crest Here.
Together, we can make this image a lasting part of Alberta’s story.
The Alberta Prosperity Project supports Alberta’s sovereignty and independence to protect jobs, reduce political control, and improve our future.