# 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:** 48
**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:** [October 1, 2026, 8:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/944 "2026-10-01T08:47:03Z")
Not one valid argument for leaving either. How about this: separating would be stupid. Alberta would be bankrupt in six months. Is that the legacy you want to leave for your children? Or worse Alberta would get swallowed up as a territory of the US—not even a state. Same position as Puerto Rico. ---
**Author:** ![Uzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/91b2a8/32.png) [@Uzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uzi)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 10:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/945 "2026-10-01T10:11:08Z")
More fear mongering. No valid arguments. Along with an admission that there are no benefits to staying. That alone is reason to leave. There are lots of benefits to leave. I’ve posted them previously. 1. Rational regulations that don’t cripple business. 2. Albertan’s setting laws and policy rather than those thousands of miles away that don’t have our values and settle for mediocrity. 3. Money stays in Alberta not going to buy votes in the rest of Canada and continuously supporting those that won’t develop their own resources. 4. Lower taxation to attract investment and entrepreneurship. 5. And many more. Again, read the white papers above. ---
**Author:** ![TheTooth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/919ad9/32.png) [@TheTooth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheTooth)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/946 "2026-10-01T14:54:12Z")
> [@Uzi](#): > > 1. Albertan’s setting laws and policy rather than those thousands of miles away that don’t have our values and settle for mediocrity. Your values, not mine. As I’ve said previously, you don’t speak for me. ---
**Author:** ![Uzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/91b2a8/32.png) [@Uzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uzi)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/947 "2026-10-01T15:08:34Z")
And your values are the only important ones? No one else should have a voice or a choice? ---
**Author:** ![TheTooth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/919ad9/32.png) [@TheTooth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheTooth)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/948 "2026-10-01T18:15:30Z")
Just making it clear that you’re not my spokesman. Your values are not mine, your opinion of Canada and its government is not mine. You may speak for other separatists but you don’t speak for the rest of us here in scenic Alberta. ---
**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:** [October 1, 2026, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/949 "2026-10-01T21:47:00Z")
^^^^^ This. Exactement! As the French would say. Don’t know why separatists assume they “speak for Alberta” when in reality they speak for maybe 18%. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2026, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/950 "2026-10-02T00:21:42Z")
> [@Uzi](#): > > And your values are the only important ones? No one else should have a voice or a choice? What about giving a choice to residents of Banff and Banff National Park, who almost surely would prefer to stay with Canada? Maybe they would prefer to be part of nearby British Columbia, especially if the alternative was becoming part of a right-wing republic. We can talk more about this after the vote, when it will be clear which parts of Alberta maybe want to depart from Canada, and in which parts Canadian patriotism remains solid. ---
**Author:** ![Uzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/91b2a8/32.png) [@Uzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uzi)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2026, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/951 "2026-10-02T00:32:23Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > especially if the alternative was becoming part of a right-wing republic. What are we apart of now? Provinces that have higher tariffs between each other than what trump is implementing? Is that Canadian patriotism? Provinces being allowed to block other provinces resources with the feds ignoring the constitution. Canadian patriotism means as long as we’re following the liberal line, as dictated by the voting blocks in Quebec and Ontario, then we’re Canadian, otherwise we’re right wing and should shut up and keep paying. ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2026, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/952 "2026-10-02T00:37:48Z")
> [@Uzi](#): > > Provinces that have higher tariffs between each other than what trump is implementing? WTF are you talking about? No provinces have any tariffs on any other provinces. ---
**Author:** ![DWMarch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dwmarch/32/1010_2.png) [@DWMarch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DWMarch)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2026, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/953 "2026-10-02T00:45:34Z")
> [@Uzi](#): > > Provinces being allowed to block other provinces resources with the feds ignoring the constitution. I guess you missed the news today? > **[Canada designates Pacific Link oil pipeline as project of national interest](https://finance.yahoo.com/energy/articles/canada-designates-pacific-oil-pipeline-181610728.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall)** > > Investing.com -- Canada has designated the proposed Pacific Link oil pipeline to the West Coast as a project of national interest, clearing a major regulatory hurdle as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government seeks to expand energy exports and reduce... ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2026, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/954 "2026-10-02T00:49:51Z")
> [@TheTooth](#): > > Just making it clear that you’re not my spokesman. Your values are not mine, your opinion of Canada and its government is not mine. You may speak for other separatists but you don’t speak for the rest of us here in scenic Alberta. > [@Biffster](#): > > ^^^^^ This. Exactement! As the French would say. Don’t know why separatists assume they “speak for Alberta” when in reality they speak for maybe 18%. Completely agree with this. Also, 18% sounds way too high. > [@Uzi](#): > > Denigration and fear mongering. How do you distinguish a realistic description of utter disaster **which was also backed up by many other sources** cited in this thread, from “fear mongering”? I think you’re doing it by wishful thinking. > [@Uzi](#): > > No one else should have a voice or a choice? Everyone is entitled to free speech, but my view is that those seeking to destroy my country should be reviled as the traitors that they are and treated accordingly. Plus, the whole idea of Alberta separation is preposterous. If you think being part of one of the most liberal and generous federations in the world is onerous, wait until you become a _de facto_ colony of the USA. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2026, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/955 "2026-10-02T01:09:27Z")
> [@Uzi](#): > > > [@PhillyGuy](#): > > > > especially if the alternative was becoming part of a right-wing republic. > > What are we apart of now? A constitutional monarchy. If this is the official proposed constitution, my admitted jibe about a right-wing republic has something to it: > **[Foundation\_of\_Freedom\_v3\_final.pdf](https://assets.nationbuilder.com/albertafirstpension/pages/5624/attachments/original/1787082897/Foundation_of_Freedom_v3_final.pdf?1787082897)** > > 864.79 KB I also was thinking it would be quite difficult for an independent Alberta to long remain independent of the U.S., which currently could be described as a right-wing republic. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2026, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/956 "2026-10-02T01:14:42Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > Everyone is entitled to free speech, but my view is that those seeking to destroy my country should be reviled as the traitors that they are and treated accordingly. Here is the definition of treason: > **[Criminal Code](https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-46/section-46.html)** > > Federal laws of Canada Maybe I missed it early in the thread, but I cannot see anything treasonous here. ---
**Author:** ![Uzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/91b2a8/32.png) [@Uzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uzi)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2026, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/957 "2026-10-02T02:02:10Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > Maybe I missed it early in the thread, but I cannot see anything treasonous here. I can’t remember ever wishing ill will on Canada or Canadians. I just think we are at the failed state stage with no change in sight. The government, rather than remove business killing regulations and laws, sets itself up as the arbitrator of which business will be allowed to succeed. Carney sits on his throne giving his blessing (I assume based upon the amount of alms placed in the liberal collection plate) to which projects will proceed. This is not the path to success. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2026, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/958 "2026-10-02T02:16:06Z")
> [@Uzi](#): > > Carney sits on his throne giving his blessing (I assume based upon the amount of alms placed in the liberal collection plate) to which projects will proceed. So you view the current Prime Minister of Canada, formerly a governor of the Bank of Canada and then the Bank of England, as now thinking of himself a demi-god sitting on a throne and demanding tribute? Truly, your view of the world is too fantastical for me to even try to imagine! It just confirms my belief that all you separatists are totally nuts! 🙄 ---
**Author:** ![Uzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/91b2a8/32.png) [@Uzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uzi)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2026, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/959 "2026-10-02T03:22:16Z")
He could have created a regulatory framework that doesn’t require his approval to fast track projects. He has bought his majority after all. Yet he wants to ensure only he has the power, and be seen to have the power, to give that approval/largess. I would suggest that if someone doesn’t recognize this for what it is they are wearing political blinders. To be frank, I don’t want any political party with that power. They should set the regulations and let the process work identifying those that need improvement and remove those that are unnecessary. We have bureaucrats whose job it should be to impartially run the process and when it successfully completes an approval is granted. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2026, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/960 "2026-10-02T03:23:29Z")
> [@Gorsnak](#): > > WTF are you talking about? No provinces have any tariffs on any other provinces. Can we go back to this. What are these provincial tariffs between each other that are higher than what Trump is implementing? That post made no sense to me. ---
**Author:** ![Uzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/91b2a8/32.png) [@Uzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uzi)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2026, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/961 "2026-10-02T04:17:56Z")
Maybe when people in this thread know how Canada itself works I’d take their comments on how bad Alberta will have it if we separate. This is what we’re trying to leave: [Canada could gain nearly 7% in real GDP by removing internal trade barriers, says IMF](https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canadian-economy-report-imf-interprovincial-trade-9.7062567) ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2026, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/962 "2026-10-02T04:54:27Z")
The barriers to internal trade are not tariffs. Tariffs are import/export taxes paid to the government of the importer. This does not happen between provinces. I’m not even sure provinces have the legal authority to levy tariffs against other provinces. I suspect not. Certainly they’ve got next to no way to collect such tariffs, given the freedom of movement across provincial borders. The barriers you’re talking about are largely differences in licensing and regulation between provinces, which persist because the various provinces (_especially_ Alberta) aren’t interested in ceding their authority in those areas to Ottawa. ---
**Author:** ![Uzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/91b2a8/32.png) [@Uzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uzi)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2026, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872/963 "2026-10-02T05:27:03Z")
The beloved CBC related those barriers to the equivalent of tariffs at 9%. I’ll dig up the interview with the wine maker in bc saying even with trump’s tariffs of 50% it is still cheaper to send booze there than Ontario, of you like. Should be an easy Google, though. Each province acts separate now. Alberta just wants to make it official. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872.md?page=47) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alberta-natural-resources-and-the-rest-of-canada/1017872.md?page=49)