Partisan Rifts: Alberta’s Separatist Movement Exposed
February 21, 2026
The recent scandal involving the unauthorized release of Alberta’s voters list has exposed the separatist movement’s underlying motivations and tactics, revealing a shift from legitimate grievances to partisan extremism. This breach not only endangers personal privacy but also discredits a movement that claims to represent Alberta’s best interests.
Historically, Alberta’s tensions with Ottawa have centred on resource revenue and governance powers. These issues are deeply rooted in the province’s history and deserve thoughtful negotiation and accommodation within the Canadian framework. Alberta’s contributions to Canada are undeniable, and addressing these concerns with respect and fairness can strengthen national unity.
However, the current separatist movement has deviated from these traditional grievances, aligning instead with far-right ideologies reminiscent of American Republicanism. This ideological shift is concerning, as it prioritizes divisive tactics over constructive dialogue. The involvement of groups like Take Back Alberta and the Republican Party of Alberta, along with their questionable methods, highlights a troubling trend of partisan extremism overshadowing genuine regional concerns.
March 25, 2025
Politicians such as Danielle Smith and Pierre Poilievre, by allowing these sentiments to fester, risk undermining the solidarity that binds our nation. It is imperative for Canadian leaders to confront these challenges seriously and defensively. The partisan nature of the current separatist rhetoric must be exposed and addressed, ensuring that it does not detract from real issues requiring attention.
The exposure of questionable tactics by separatists, including potential outside interference, underscores the urgency of defending Canadian unity. As federalists, we must focus on reinforcing the benefits of remaining within Canada, emphasizing economic collaboration, cultural respect, and equitable governance. By doing so, we can address legitimate grievances while rejecting extremism that threatens to divide us.
The path forward lies in constructive engagement and a commitment to unity. By recognizing and addressing Alberta’s historical concerns within the framework of a united Canada, we can build a stronger, more inclusive future for all Canadians.
Mark Carney’s Rodeo: Can He Tame the Bull of Western Alienation and the Beast Across the Border?
April 9, 2025
Mark Carney’s entry into the political arena as Canada’s Prime Minister is akin to stepping into a rodeo ring, preparing to ride the proverbial angry bull of Western alienation. With a mandate from the recent election, Carney finds himself in a unique position to distinguish his leadership from the fraught relations that characterized his predecessor Justin Trudeau’s tenure, particularly with Alberta and Saskatchewan.
The political landscape Carney inherits is fraught with tension. Alberta and Saskatchewan’s grievances are deeply rooted in economic and political realities that have been exacerbated by federal policies perceived as dismissive of their contributions. The historical parallels with the 1930s, as highlighted in John Turley-Ewart’s article, show that ignoring these economic roots risks deepening the rift. Premier Danielle Smith’s openness to a referendum on Alberta’s independence underscores the urgency of addressing these concerns.
Carney’s recent election victory provides him with the leverage to reset relations with the West. Unlike Trudeau, whose relationship with Alberta was often marked by conflict over environmental policies and energy sector restrictions, Carney has the opportunity to approach the provinces with a fresh perspective. His background as a central banker and advocate for green energy positions him uniquely to balance the need for economic stability with environmental commitments.
The advice from Marcus Gee suggests that Carney should focus on the strengths of Canadian federalism, emphasizing cooperation and decentralization. By showcasing how federalism can effectively address regional concerns, Carney can work towards mitigating separatist sentiments. His challenge will be to implement pragmatic policies that support a transition to renewable energy while recognizing the economic significance of the oil and gas industry.
Complicating Carney’s rodeo ride is the situation in the United States under Donald Trump, which poses its own set of challenges. The strained U.S.-Canada relations impact economic stability and require strategic diplomacy. Carney must balance Canada’s environmental goals with economic realities, leveraging Canada’s natural resources to strengthen economic ties amidst U.S. tariffs and protectionist policies. The unity required to address internal grievances must extend to a coherent national strategy for navigating the complexities of international relations.
Colby Cosh’s perspective that Alberta’s separatist movement is weak offers Carney some breathing room. However, the underlying support for separation cannot be ignored. Carney must navigate these sentiments carefully, ensuring that his government’s actions speak louder than words. His engagement with provincial leaders, as noted in reader comments, is a promising start, but it must translate into tangible outcomes that address both economic and political grievances.
Carney’s rodeo ride is not just about taming the bull of Western alienation but also managing the beast across the border. The stakes are high, and the challenge is multifaceted. Can he temper these forces? Only time will tell. What is clear is that Carney must harness the leverage of his fresh mandate to build bridges, promote dialogue, and demonstrate that Canadian federalism is not just a theoretical success but a practical one that can adapt to the needs of all its provinces while navigating complex international landscapes.
In this rodeo, Carney must hold on tight, navigate with skill, and ultimately steer Canada towards a future where regional grievances are heard, addressed, and resolved, and international relations are managed with finesse. His success or failure in this endeavour will define his legacy and the future of Canadian unity.
Western Separatism is as Canadian as Maple Syrup by The Graeme Gallery
In recent weeks, the political landscape in Canada has been marked by a troubling resurgence of separatist rhetoric emanating from Western Canada, particularly from figures like Preston Manning. His desperate warning that a victory for Mark Carney’s Liberals would lead to the breakup of Canada is not only alarmist but also counterproductive. It threatens to exacerbate divisions at a time when national unity is more critical than ever.
Manning’s perspective, which positions Western separation as a legitimate response to perceived grievances, fails to recognize the complex realities faced by all Canadians. While it is essential to acknowledge the frustrations of those in Alberta and Saskatchewan—regions that have long felt overlooked by federal policies—resorting to threats of secession is not a constructive solution. Such extreme viewpoints only serve to polarize discussions and undermine the collaborative spirit necessary for addressing shared challenges.
December 2, 2022
However, dismissing Manning’s concerns outright ignores a significant truth: the fossil fuel sector in Western Canada is not just an economic powerhouse; it is a lifeline for many communities. The realities of shifting global energy dynamics and the impacts of U.S. President Donald Trump’s reckless economic policies have created uncertainty that can no longer be overlooked. The tariffs and trade tensions he has instigated have put pressure on Canadian industries, particularly those heavily reliant on fossil fuels.
As we navigate these turbulent waters, it is crucial to strike a balance between addressing environmental imperatives and safeguarding the livelihoods of those dependent on fossil fuel industries. The call for an immediate end to fossil fuel reliance without a viable transition plan risks not only economic devastation but also the loss of social cohesion in communities that have built their identities around these sectors.
Danielle Smith’s alignment with Trump and her provocative stance on Alberta’s autonomy further complicate this already fraught landscape. While she champions the voices of those who feel marginalized, her approach often mirrors the divisive rhetoric that only deepens the chasm between regions. It is essential to understand that unity cannot be built on fear or threats; rather, it requires dialogue, compromise, and a commitment to finding common ground.
What is needed now is a comprehensive and inclusive discussion that brings together various stakeholders—politicians, industry leaders, environmental advocates, and community members—to explore pathways toward a sustainable energy future that respects the economic realities of Western Canada. This means investing in green technology and transition strategies that not only address climate change but also provide new opportunities for workers in the fossil fuel sector.
In the face of daunting challenges posed by external forces, Canada must remain steadfast in its commitment to unity. We cannot allow the desperate warnings of figures like Manning to derail the essential conversations about how to move forward together. Instead, let us focus on building a resilient nation that acknowledges regional concerns while striving for a sustainable and inclusive future.
The road ahead may be rocky, but by fostering understanding and collaboration, Canada can navigate these rough seas and emerge stronger, united in our diversity and shared purpose. It is time to reject divisive rhetoric and work collectively toward a future that honours both our environmental responsibilities and our economic realities.
Looking For a Strong Manning-Date
As someone who closely follows elections, I’ve always found polls to be incredibly useful in gauging the political climate and predicting election outcomes. Over the past two elections, I’ve made it a point to draw on polls at least once in editorial during each campaign. It’s fascinating to look back and see how the parties were faring just weeks before election day.
During Justin Trudeau’s tenure, the polls often depicted a flatline between the two main parties, leading to somewhat predictable outcomes and the formation of minority governments. This trend seemed to reflect a broader lack of trust and confidence among Canadians towards both the Liberals and Conservatives. Consequently, we’ve experienced years of weak governance, with Trudeau’s position becoming increasingly fragile with each passing election since 2015.
The polls have not been kind to the Liberals under Trudeau in recent years, while the Conservatives, under Pierre Poilievre, have seen astronomical support. However, there’s an old saying about peaking too early, and that seems to be the case for Poilievre. The pendulum of political favour has swung, but rather than benefiting the Conservatives, it appears to have favoured centrists, especially with Mark Carney now leading the Liberal Party.
If there ever was a need for renewed confidence and unity, it is now, especially at a time when global security and economic order are being shaken. A majority government is needed, and the right person to head it is the reasonable, calm, and somewhat boring father figure, Mark Carney. He stands in contrast to Pierre Poilievre, who, with his petulant and angry demeanour, is neither a centrist nor a uniter.
While I sympathize with Conservatives who express frustration with the Liberals, it’s clear that the pendulum has indeed swung toward a more centrist approach. Carney’s leadership offers a new perspective and potential for renewed confidence among Canadians. As we approach the next election, it will be interesting to see how these dynamics play out and what the polls will reveal in the final stretch.
Check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for April 7, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I share weekly editorial cartoons every Saturday morning. Substack is a crucial platform for me amidst the uncertainties of being a staff cartoonist, especially given recent layoffs and newspaper closures affecting our field. As long as I hold my position, subscriptions will remain free. Thank you for your support! This “note” helps craft my weekly posts and showcases animated versions of my cartoons. Enjoy!
Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday November 5, 2019
Wexit group applies to become federal political party
A separatist group calling for Alberta to leave Canada has begun the process to become a federal political party.
October 22, 2019
Wexit Alberta’s application arrived on Monday at Elections Canada, which has begun the verification process, according to a spokesperson for the federal agency.
The group, led by Albertan Peter Downing, aims to do “for Western Canada what the Bloc Québécois did for Quebec,” Downing said.
Downing ran federally with the Christian Heritage Party in 2015. He said he’s since been involved with federal Conservative Party boards, and as a campaign manager with the former provincial Wildrose Party.
Before that, he was an RCMP officer and during that time was suspended for uttering threats against his ex-wife — according to both National Post and a now-deleted article in the St. Albert Gazette. Downing has denied the allegations and says he left the force with a clean record.
Wexit Alberta has been accused of allowing conspiracy theories or other harmful rhetoric to circulate online.
Wexit (“Western exit”) supporters are scheduled to hold rallies across Alberta this month, and the sentiment has gained support in the wake of the federal election, which saw the governing Liberals shut out of Alberta and most of the west.
Western Alienation, by Arch Dale, 1915
Announcing the party’s application, Downing wrote on Facebook that Premier Jason Kenney “needs to become the VERY FIRST PRESIDENT OF ALBERTA.”
Kenney has called separation “irrational,” but is also planning a referendum on equalization and is appointing a panel to discuss the province’s place in the federation.
Many politicians are being careful to hedge their words on the topic, says political scientist Jared Wesley.
“This is a different kind of movement. We’ve seen it generate success south of the border and in Europe. I think political elites ignore it at their peril but they have to be very careful when they provide legitimacy to what, right now, is a pretty fringe movement,” he said.
Seceding could also be difficult, experts say. Any provinces looking to leave Confederation would have to address First Nations treaties and other complications like trade, national defence and amending the country’s constitution. (CBC)
