Central Canada's Role in Alberta Separatism: A Complex History

A recent article in the National Post defends the idea that Central Canadian elites are partly to blame for Alberta's separatist movement. However, Colby Cosh questions this stance, suggesting that it may be a case of 'tactically smart' politics rather than genuine conviction.

Ibbitson echoes separatist literature in mentioning the 25-year denial of constitutional control over natural resources to Alberta and Saskatchewan. He acknowledges fiscal equalization as an end-run around this restored order, confiscating local windfalls. However, Cosh notes that this narrative swallows 'without much chewing' the separatist tale of 120 years of injustice.

The National Energy Program (1980-85) is also revived in Ibbitson's argument. Cosh recalls the period, a time when central Canada's economic nationalism coincided with a collapse in oil prices, causing an unemployment and housing shock in Alberta. This has left a lasting impact on Albertans, who now harbor resentment towards Confederation.

Cosh suggests that Quebec's grievances against Confederation are similar to those of the Western provinces, it's a matter of folk memory, inveterately confirmed instincts that Confederation will always favor the West's disadvantage. The fact remains that Alberta was allowed to get rich relative to other provinces, not too rich but certainly noticeable in its hour-long drives.