Manifesto shows ‘depth of frustration’
Key impetus is Alberta’s feeling of ‘alienation’
A manifesto by four federal Conservative MPS from Alberta that warns against the rising tide of Western alienation underscores the deep frustration being felt in the province, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said Friday.
The 13-page Buffalo Declaration released Thursday says Ottawa must make a concerted effort to repair national bonds or face the real risk that Alberta could seek separation. It was written by Alberta MPS Arnold Viersen, Blake Richards, Glen Motz and Michelle Rempel Garner.
Asked at a press conference about the manifesto Friday, Kenney said, “I think what that letter underscores is the depth of frustration. I think a lot of people are going to come to the table with a lot of ideas and a lot of commentary. All of it underscores that the frustration of this province is deep and genuine.”
While not specifically endorsing the letter, Kenney made clear there were major issues that the federal government needed to address to stop the West feeling alienated.
"We have made it as clear as day to the prime minister and his government that Albertans not only expect but demand respect and fairness in this federation and that we are prepared to act if we end up with federal policy that further injures our economy — for example, should the Teck mine not be approved.”
The federal cabinet has until the end of this month to make its decision on the $20.6-billion oilsands mine proposed by Vancouver miner Teck Resources. Kenney has said in a letter to Trudeau that a rejection would have devastating consequences and would stoke Western alienation.
Ken Boessenkool, a Conservative strategist and former adviser to former prime minister Stephen Harper, said on twitter that the manifesto arose "from a sincere and real feeling of alienation.”
“Western feelings of alienation are real. Separatist sentiment is also real, but dangerous,” he wrote.
The Buffalo Declaration lists a number of challenges that the authors believe the province faces. Among them is the belief that Alberta has always been an unequal member of Canada; that Alberta has a distinct culture that has gone unacknowledged, and that Alberta has been treated as a colony within Confederation to be exploited for the benefit of the east rather than a partner.
It calls for reform of the equalization system and demands fairer political representation, such as could be achieved with a different Senate arrangement. It also calls for arts and culture funding to be spread more equally to the West, and for Ottawa to “Ensure Western art is prominently displayed in national museums.”
“One way or another, Albertans will have equality,” the letter concludes.