# Alberta, Natural Resources, and the Rest of Canada **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [May 3, 2025, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872 "2025-05-03T00:31:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Biffster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biffster/32/339_2.png) [@Biffster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffster)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2025, 7:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/61 "2025-05-06T07:31:07Z")
> [@Uzi](#): > > Natural resources: Belong to the province, not to Canada. Not being able to develop them is the issue, so again, why would this be important to you if you continue to vote against their development or elect governments that do? Alberta may be in charge of its natural resources, but it is situated on Treaty Land, specifically Treaty 6, 7 and 8, as a well as a a portion of others. If the First Nations people choose to remain with Canada, there’s nothing Ms. Smith can do about it. Your argument is a non-starter. ---
**Author:** ![Uzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/91b2a8/32.png) [@Uzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uzi)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2025, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/62 "2025-05-06T07:51:55Z")
> [@Biffster](#): > > If the First Nations people choose to remain with Canada, there’s nothing Ms. Smith can do about it. Your argument is a non-starter. And if they chose to go with Alberta? Why there is nothing Mr. Carney can do about it. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2025, 8:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/63 "2025-05-06T08:41:36Z")
> [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > We understand some people in Alberta and Saskatchewan do not much like the Liberals, and haven’t since Pierre. > > But this “western succession” thing is silly. Small nitpick: it is “secession.” “Succession” is what Charles did when Elizabeth died. But thank you. I think that you’ve hit at the heart of the matter with this: > [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > Since the squeakiest wheels are often greased in Canada, it is hard to blame these Albertans for this display. But it is performative. I think Alberta has some legitimate grievances. As an Albertan, I think we have some legitimate grievances. For example, Alberta the province (but not necessarily all Albertan individuals) see Quebec getting whatever it wants when it wants. “Waah! We want more transfer payments, so we can have $7 a day daycare! Waah! Something-something French! Waah! We’re not getting enough money from the ROC yet!” And Albertans see the government of the day (Mulroney, Chretien, Martin, Trudeaus I and II) as pandering to Quebec, giving it all kinds of tax dollars from other provinces and breaks and whatnot, because those guys are all Quebecers. Those guys know who elects them, and it ain’t anybody from a province not named Quebec. Albertans want the same treatment as Quebec gets, or seems (in their eyes) to get. Though frankly, most Albertans of my acquaintance don’t give these things a second thought, and if they do, then it’s to say, “Smith has lost her mind.” Well that was on display when she ran as leader for the Wildrose Party, promising to make abortion illegal, and liberalizing gun laws. Umm … Danielle? Those are federal, and _ultra vires_ Alberta jurisdiction. Just one example of how Danielle Smith does not know the separation of powers under Canada’s constitution. Enough of that. I do not think that the majority of Albertans’ views rise to the level of separation. We all know we’ve got a good thing going inside Canada. As Canadians, we enjoy a good reputation around the world, our passport is respected, our dollar is a world reserve currency (not a big one, but it is a reserve currency), we have a seat at the United Nations, and most of us do not want to be Americans. Back during the election coverage last week, one of the CTV News commentators made an interesting observation: one in four Albertans is originally from another province. Not another country; another Canadian province, and we’ve brought our views with us. And tonight, on CTV News, it was reported that a separation rally took place at the Alberta Legislature last Saturday. Looked like a lot of people, but as the reporter said, “Support for separation, according to Angus Reid, is only at 30%.” Still, I think changes are needed. Nothing radical; we’ve got enough ridings in the Commons to satisfy our populace, though more seats in the Senate would be nice (and it would be nice if the Government of Canada respected our popularly-elected choice of Senator when there’s a vacancy, rather than saying, “Oh, those crazy Albertans, thinking they can vote for a Senator!”). And ignoring the people’s choice in favor of a Trudeau crony. Other changes as topics arise would be nice. But it seems to me that good faith negotiations on reasonable terms with Ottawa will accomplish more than “I’m taking my ball and going home” will, as Smith implies. Hopefully, with Mr. Carney, originally from the NWT, but Harvard-educated and the former chairman of two internationally-respected national banks, at the helm, they will. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2025, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/64 "2025-05-06T21:37:24Z")
It looks like the issue of Alberta’s separation has been reawakened. > **[Alberta's premier proposes referendum on separation from Canada](https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/albertas-premier-proposes-referendum-separation-canada-121497915)** > > The premier of Alberta says she will hold a referendum next year on the energy rich province separating from Canada if citizens gather the required number of signatures on a petition ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2025, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/65 "2025-05-06T21:42:24Z")
Tell me you learned nothing from Brexit without saying that you learned nothing from Brexit. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2025, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/66 "2025-05-06T21:53:54Z")
“Albertexit?” ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2025, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/67 "2025-05-06T22:12:27Z")
“Edmontexit”? ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2025, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/68 "2025-05-06T22:32:24Z")
Were such a referendum to pass, I think every region, municipality, and First Nation should also try to leave. The north of the province is being oppressed by Calgary and Edmonton! Vote for the Free City of Peace River! The big cities don’t understand the parks! Vote for the Rocky Mountain Nation of Jasper-and-Banff! Indigenous Sovereignty isn’t beholden to Alberta! Vote for the Greater Cree Nation! ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2025, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/69 "2025-05-06T23:10:43Z")
> [@Dr.Drake](#): > > Tell me you learned nothing from Brexit without saying that you learned nothing from Brexit. > [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > “Albertexit?” > [@Maserschmidt](#): > > “Edmontexit”? “AExit.” Like aesthetics and anaesthesia. Pronounced badly as aah-exit. Open wide and say “aah”. Then bend over and smile. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/70 "2025-05-07T00:06:50Z")
In Canada, this sort of performative protest makes people feel good and sometimes attracts more funding. But, as they say in Oz, this is all talk and no stockwhip. There is an even better South American Spanish expression for “all talk and no action”, Picture an ice cream truck that has sold out of ice cream popsicles, but keeps ringing its bell anyway, making a _tilín_ sound. All bell, but no ice cream popsicles. _Puro tilín tilín, pa’ nada de paletas_. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/71 "2025-05-07T00:20:28Z")
All hat and no cowboy. ---
**Author:** ![Kropotkin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kropotkin/32/18045_2.png) [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/72 "2025-05-07T00:25:46Z")
Not “all hat and no cattle”? ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/73 "2025-05-07T00:36:32Z")
Oh, yeah, that was it. I’ve been away from Texas for a quarter-century, this is what happens. ---
**Author:** ![Kropotkin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kropotkin/32/18045_2.png) [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/74 "2025-05-07T00:39:34Z")
> [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > Canada, this sort of performative protest makes people feel good and sometimes attracts more funding It also whips up votes for right wing parties who are often supported by corporate interests and so shifts the Overton window to the right while delivering nothing to the rank and file supporters, apart from the surge of adrenaline and rage: the “feel good” you note. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/75 "2025-05-07T00:47:14Z")
> [@Uzi](#): > > As Dr.Drake suggests, it would be hard to separate. No one said it wouldn’t be. It will even be harder for Canada as their purse is essentially gone. No, that’s not how international economics or politics works. As a militarily weak resource-producing region Alberta would be reduced to Canada’s and/or America’s economic vassal. The main difference is that Canada would no longer be obligated to care about Alberta’s opinions or desires and could just squeeze it as much as they liked. Brexit is actually an overly optimistic comparison, as Britain at least has more going on for it than sitting on a non-renewable resource. And friendlier neighbors. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/76 "2025-05-07T03:39:56Z")
> [@Tamerlane](#): > > Though I still find regionalism and Balkanization at odds with my own personal philosophy Given the population distribution in Canada, the alternative appears to be strongly centralised politics driven by central Canada, regardless of the views of the minority populations in the hinterland. ---
**Author:** ![Uzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/91b2a8/32.png) [@Uzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uzi)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/77 "2025-05-07T03:45:53Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > No, that’s not how international economics or politics works. As a militarily weak resource-producing region … e.g. Canada > Alberta would be reduced to Canada’s and/or America’s economic vassal. Currently is. > The main difference is that Canada would no longer be obligated to care about Alberta’s opinions or desires It currently doesn’t. > and could just squeeze it as much as they liked. They currently do. Equalization Payments - I pointed out earlier that Quebec has enough LNG to power Europe. Yet they don’t develop it. They are more than happy to make up the difference with money from the rest of Canada rather than develop those resources. Stopping that money would force them to make hard decisions. They can take money from Alberta generated from Oil and Gas or they can develop their own resources. If you don’t understand the frustration with this attitude, then I don’t think you’ll ever understand why many Albertans feel the way they do. The feds continued inaction and handcuffing of industry is not only hurting Alberta, but Canada as a whole. Yet, we keep on electing the clown show. > **[Canada’s Economy Ranks Third-Lowest in OECD for Per Capita GDP Growth](https://www.canadaaction.ca/canada-third-lowest-gdp-per-capita-growth-oecd-nations)** > > Canada's economy has ranked the third lowest in gross domestic product (GDP) per capita growth from 2014 to 2022, according to a new report by the Fraser Institute. See more red "economic" flags showing Canada's economy is struggling, and what the... ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/78 "2025-05-07T04:04:15Z")
> [@Uzi](#): > > e.g. Canada > > > Alberta would be reduced to Canada’s and/or America’s economic vassal. > > Currently is. Canada isn’t just a resource producing region, it’s a nation with a broad economic base and therefore much more capable of independence. And no; Alberta is presently part of Canada, not a vassal. Converting Alberta into what amounts to a Third World country - which is what independence would do - would turn it into a vassal. Impoverished and helpless. Which of course is much of the reason for encouraging it. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/79 "2025-05-07T04:10:51Z")
> [@Uzi](#): > > Currently is. But it’s not. Why are you repeating such nonsense? ---
**Author:** ![Uzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/91b2a8/32.png) [@Uzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uzi)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/80 "2025-05-07T04:39:37Z")
Why are you not recognizing that it is true? Alberta has money taken from them to distribute to others that buy votes for politicians that enact policies detrimental to resource development. That’s not happening? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872.md?page=5)