The recent opinion piece on Alberta’s Independence movement by Derek Fildebrandt, highlighted the historical volatility of these movements as they react to various forms of malignment and attempts to keep the west subservient to the Laurentian elites in the east. The Alberta government has played a pivotal role in these dynamics, especially in legal battles and policy disputes that underscore the province’s quest for greater autonomy. Independence movements are easily “dampened” with the smallest indication of Western support from the federal government. If Poilievre and the conservatives form government in the next election, will the independence movement lose momentum until the next emergency, or is there another way forward for the Alberta independence movements?
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and The Alberta Sovereignty Act
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s implementation of the Alberta Sovereignty Act within a “united” Canada, highlights the scenario of sovereignty WITHIN Canada. This act, also known as the United Canada Act, is a strategic move towards asserting provincial rights against federal overreach. Is this what Albertans want? Is this possible? How will this affect the independence movement and are there supporters of Alberta independence WITHIN Canada or are they all separatists? The discussion of Alberta sovereignty and the Alberta independence movement is gaining momentum, reflecting a deep-rooted sentiment of western alienation and a desire for increased provincial autonomy. Alberta separatists, bolstered by the Alberta Agenda letter and the 2021 referendum, are increasingly vocal about their grievances and aspirations for an independent Alberta. In an unhealthy relationship separation or divorce is often the best and only option. At other times putting stronger boundaries in place and redefining the nature of the relationship are what’s needed.
It seems that Smith has set Alberta on the path to relationship counselling with Canada. The outcome will either be, a stronger Alberta and a redefined relationship with Canada, or we enter into divorce proceedings.
We Want Alberta Prosperity WITHIN or WITHOUT Canada!
One group within the independence movement, the Alberta Prosperity Project, is refreshing its brand to address these 2 scenarios, a sovereign Alberta WITHIN or WITHOUT Canada. While the separatist perspective is appealing and must remain an option, the process to get to a renegotiated and healthier relationship with Canada will involve several steps and will include putting clear boundaries around things like an Alberta Pension Plan, Alberta Tax collection, Alberta Policing, Alberta Employment Insurance, Alberta Independent Banking, Alberta Judicial Independence, Alberta international trade and market access. These can all happen WITHIN Canada.
Should a federal government seek to block Alberta in their pursuit of prosperity and self-determination is there a legal mechanism in place to provide the necessary leverage for Alberta?
How Can Alberta Challenge Federal Government Overreach?
The Clarity Act, formally known as Bill C-20, was enacted by the Canadian government in 2000 to establish clear rules for any province that wishes to secede from Canada. The act was a response to the ambiguous referendums held in Quebec in the 1980s and 1990s regarding its independence. The key elements of the Clarity Act are:
- Clear Question Requirement: It requires that any future referendums on secession must pose a clear, unambiguous question about secession. This means the question cannot merely suggest negotiating for more powers within Canada; it must directly address the issue of secession.
- Majority Clarity: The Act does not specify what constitutes a “clear majority,” but it implies that more than a simple majority might be necessary to proceed with secession. The interpretation of a “clear majority” is left to the federal parliament to decide.
- Role of the House of Commons: The Canadian House of Commons is given the power to determine whether the question posed in a secession referendum is clear and whether the outcome represents a clear majority for secession.
- Negotiation Obligations: If both the question and the majority meet the established criteria of clarity, the federal government is obligated to enter into negotiations regarding secession.
- Consideration of All Relevant Opinions: In determining the clarity of the question and the majority, the views of various political and social groups, including Indigenous peoples, must be considered.
The Path to a More Independent Alberta
I absolutely echo Fildebrandt’ closing remarks that “Alberta can build a house capable of standing on its own two feet for when that time comes.” This time is coming quickly, and Albertans want to see the full implementation of the Alberta Sovereignty Act before the federal election in 2025. If Danielle Smith can accomplish this, any referendum on independence becomes an easier final step, if needed.
The evolution of the independence movement includes an emphasis on sovereignty more than separation. While separation may be required to accomplish sovereignty, there is a scenario where sovereignty could be achieved with a redefined relationship with Canada. We should be ready for both potential futures.
Jonathan Baynes is the new CEO for the Alberta Prosperity Project which is a not for profit education society committed to building a movement of supporters and educating Albertans towards a Sovereign Alberta WITHIN or WITHOUT Canada.