Alberta's Separatist Movement: A Values-Based Argument

Alberta's separatist movement has been gaining momentum in recent years, with many arguing that the province should leave Canada due to systemic grievances about federalism and complaints about the equalization formula. However, according to Brad Tomlinson, a retired Alberta civil servant and proud Albertan but first a proud and patriotic Canadian, the real issue at hand is not about separation, but rather about values.

Tomlinson argues that separatist values are based on 'me-first' individualism, which he believes is antithetical to Canadian values. He points out that Canadians value concern for one another, peace, order and the common good, which has led us to have a country where we take care of each other.

Tomlinson also criticizes Alberta's provincial conservative governments for choosing to privatize profits and socialize costs. For example, he notes that in 2015, it was reported that Alberta's oil royalties were $4.38 per barrel while Norway got $87.69. Despite having a similar population size, Norway nationalized its oil wealth fund in 1990, whereas Alberta started the Heritage Trust Fund in 1976.

Tomlinson believes that the solution to the issue is not separation, but rather for the government to look after Albertans and legislate the common good for all. He argues that we can afford to live by our values, but it requires a change in how we approach governance.