ALBERTANS MUST MAKE CASE FOR UNITED CANADA

Instead of leading, Kenney fanning separatism flames, Avnish Nanda says.

There is a vocal contingent of Albertans who feels disillusioned with federalism, and Canada itself, embracing separation as the solution to the economic woes confronting this province.

While some may dismiss Alberta independence as the lofty ambition of fringe actors who don’t fully comprehend the significance of what they advocate, it’s critical that Albertans who believe in Canada come together to make the case for this country, or these embers will spark something that we will be unable to contain.

Brexit represents the dangers of failing to confront and reign in nascent populist movements, and should be a warning to Albertans who believe in a united Canada.

Unfortunately, Albertans committed to this country can’t rely on Premier Jason Kenney to make the case for Canada. Instead of forcefully defending Canada, he has promised to provide a public platform for separatists to make their case for independence. Kenney’s government plans on hosting panels where Albertans can air their grievances about Canada, and whether we should remain as a member of confederation, legitimizing independence as a viable option.

With these commitments alone, Kenney is fanning the flames of Alberta separatism, and for no other reason than partisan political gain. Kenney sees national unity as a wedge against political foes on the national and provincial stage, a card frequently invoked by the populist political movement he emerged from. However, unlike his predecessors, whose commitment to Canada was never in question, Kenney’s actions suggest that he considers separation to be an idea worth exploring.

Kenney is playing with fire. He may not have lit the flame, but he’s on all fours, blowing air, hoping he can direct the outcome, when we need a leader willing to stamp it out.

By all measures, Alberta benefits from remaining in Confederation. Economically, there is a large, national tax base to pay for the large infrastructure projects and social programs that Albertans access, in addition to Alberta industries taking advantage of workers and markets spread across the country. Alberta wouldn’t have the financial ability to sustain the quality of life Albertans currently enjoy if the province were to leave Confederation.

On a foundational, identity level, I wager that most Albertans identify strongly as Canadian. Most of us would reject any attempt to strip the Canadian aspect of our identity, which is core to who we are as individuals and how we interact with others.

However, Albertans committed to Canada must also tackle the source of any grievances that may be fuelling separatist rancour.

First, we need to make other Canadians understand Alberta’s contribution to federalism. Alberta has been Canada’s economic engine for years, but investment and jobs in the oilpatch have dried up with the collapse of the international price of oil. Alberta needs support to sustain it through this difficult period, and to diversify and transition our economy to a model that can survive a drop in oil prices.

A prosperous Alberta means a thriving Canada, and we need the rest of the country’s help to put the province back on track.

The Alberta government has to also address its role in distancing the province from the rest of Canada through its unwillingness to take concrete action on climate change, and by misleading Albertans into believing that it can commit to the minimal and still push for greater tidewater access for the oil and gas sector.

The majority of Canadians will not compromise on meaningful action on climate change. Embracing an insincere, reactionary approach will only distance Alberta from the rest of Canada, and make our oil and gas sector a pariah, rather than leaders in efficient oil recovery and land reclamation, and even major players in Canada’s alternative and renewable energy sector.

Albertans will be worse off if the current government continues to shirk its responsibility to take climate change seriously.

Alberta’s economic woes are real, and many Albertans feel alienated by the sense that the rest of Canada appears indifferent to our plight. But, independence is not the answer, and neither is Kenney’s proposal to spend taxpayer dollars to promote separatism to Albertans.

Since Kenney won’t, it’s incumbent on everyday Albertans who believe in Canada to stand up and speak out, so that the flames of separation do not engulf the province.