Why can’t we all be friends?

Canadians are stereotyped by the rest of the world as friendly socialists, who enjoy universal healthcare, and are raised on a culture of Tim Hortons coffee and Hockey Night in Canada.

We are united. This was proven during a time of tragedy when Canadians across the country showed unified support from the group of hockey kids from Humboldt, killed on their way to a playoff game.

But, never since the days of uncertainty over the issue of Quebec separatism has there been so much inter-provincial bickering.

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley introduced sanctions that could hurt British Columbians should we not cave on her province’s demand for a pipeline.

Albertans are incensed with B.C. Premier John Horgan over the speculation tax because many own second homes here.

To play devil’s advocate, British Columbians may not buy an automobile in Alberta, where they don’t have a provincial sales tax.

Except for political cartoonist Greg Perry, who’s having a field day on this issue, residents in both provinces are angry.

Alberta and B.C. are neighbours — we’re supposed to be friends.

It’s certainly not a healthy atmosphere at the moment.

In Eastern Canada, Gerard Comeau was fined $292.50 for purchasing excess liquor in Quebec — where it’s cheaper — and bringing it back to his home in New Brunswick. The Supreme Court ruled it does not impose “absolute free trade across Canada.”

This is insane. Consumers, from the dawn of time, have always looked for the best deal possible even when it involves inconvenience. In this case, it was a road trip to Quebec.

It reminds us of the episode from The Simpsons when a jealous Homer told Ned Flanders: “Your beer comes from farther away than my beer.”

Canada is definitely a melting pot and every region of the country is its own distinct society.

Maritimers are different from West Coasters; people from the north have a different outlook than folks from Quebec.

Even within each province, Vancouver Islanders seem to have a different subculture from those in the Okanagan Valley or those who live in Greater Vancouver or rural B.C.

But, we’re all Canadians and this is what makes our country great.

The Notley/Horgan feud and rules on where Gerard Comeau buys his beer do nothing to strengthen our country. It’s only tearing us apart.