Some ask Premier Danielle Smith why Alberta’s sovereignty push didn’t happen 10 years ago. Perhaps because many Albertans still believed Ottawa would listen.
Since then we’ve seen COVID-era federal overreach, energy restrictions, cancelled projects, and policies many view as harmful to Alberta’s economy. What changed wasn’t Alberta; it was confidence in Ottawa. Smith’s message is that Alberta must stand up for itself because no one else will.
Michael Meins, Edmonton
Separation isn’t so simple
To separate or not? Think of issues that need to be resolved first. To mention a few: currency, military, RCMP, passports, national parks, pensions, taxes, laws, trade negotiations, being landlocked, immigration, a hostile neighbour ready to pounce. What about federal buildings and federal employees? What about Indigenous peoples and treaty rights? Having a referendum is seen as part of the democratic process but at what cost to the taxpayer? How will this benefit all Albertans?
For those who feel the neighbour south of the border is great, move. But immigration to that country may not be so easy. Our resources are what is wanted, not more people. Level-headed thinking and negotiating is needed, not shoot-from-the-hip politics. Think life here is so bad? Go to Russia or the Middle East and see if their systems work better. If humans are involved, it’s complicated and not everyone will be happy. That’s life.
Irene Fedan, Edmonton
Vote Smith off the island
If you’ve ever watched the TV show Survivor, there is often a contestant who tries to participate in more than one alliance. The whole deal hinges on not being found out by the people in those conflicting alliances. Once they’ve been found out, they are inevitably voted off the island. I think our premier has been found out. Now how do we vote her off the island?
Mark Edwards, Edmonton
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