A Tale of Two Islands

Usually when I am asked to prove my theory that Canadian Confederation is a failed experiment, Alberta and Western alienation tends to be the direction the conversation drives to. After all, being an Alberta separatist, that is the foundation by which my debates are built on. If you look Eastward, however, you will see a living, breathing example of the failure. You will see a people whose way of life, if not their spirit, has been drained by being part of the nation. Spend some time with a Newfoundlander, and your eyes will be opened to the real cost of being Canadian.

In the 1940s, two Atlantic islands faced a choice that would shape their respective futures for generations to come. Iceland had achieved the status of 'independent state' in the early twentieth century, but still remained under the Denmark crown. The Icelanders decided in 1944 to become their own republic, thereby becoming a true sovereign state. They could have stayed within the confines of foreign rule, but they chose to take their destiny into their own hands. Since Icelands independence day, the island has flourished within its natural parameters. With a population of only about 297,000, Iceland boasts a first-world literacy rate (99.9%), along with its life expectancy (80.19 years), income, and overall social cohesion. The constitutional republics' economy is made up primarily of fishing, which accounts for about 70% of the Islands overall export earnings, but is diversifying into other sectors such as manufacturing. The GDP is over 9 Billion and growing, and Iceland has an unemployment rate that is an impressive 3.1%. To look at Iceland is to see a successful independent republic which has managed to hold on to its identity.

The citizens of the second island, Newfoundland, also faced a choice for their future. In July of 1948, the people narrowly voted to voluntarily give up their nation and join Canada. The next year, the Island was officially entered into Confederation. Now a province, Newfoundland has almost twice the population of Iceland at about 516,000 people. The GDP hovers at under 20 million, and the unemployment rate is in the range of 12 - 13% perpetually. Examples of how Confederation has failed the people of this proud Island comes like waves on the shore. The biggest hit of late was the 1992 moratorium on cod fishing. A major engine of the local economy, this devastated Newfoundland not only economically, but culturally as well. Those who stay in the province build taller boats and head farther out into open waters looking for other creatures to catch; those who can't afford to stay (or see nothing but a bleak future) head West, hoping to take advantage of the oil and construction boom in Alberta. The migration of people is a serious threat to the future of Newfoundland culture - to their distinct society.

Whereas Iceland chose independence and has thrived through the past 60 years. Newfoundland chose Canada, and they have been losing ever since.

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Who's Running the Show?

Take a look at the political history of Canada and a very unnerving reality come to light. The one political party that has had the most power and involvement in the most controversial policies in our history isn't the usual suspects. Sure, the Liberals are tattooed with issues like the costly and laughable Gun Registry, the Adscam scandal, and the devastating National Energy Program, but many of their huge mistakes have been forced out of necessity. They have regularly prostituted themselves to retain power, thereby actually giving up power.

The Party in question is not the Conservatives, either. Their track record is not spotless, with the G.S.T. turning every small business owner into a federal tax collector. Both Parties are guilty in some degree of pandering to the wishes of Quebec while ignoring the West. Both Parties have had terrible policies that have damaged the unity of Canada, but neither really held the reigns on the most contentious of issues. That dishonour belongs to the New Democratic Party. Come back with me to that embarrassing decade known as the Seventies. 1972, to be exact. Pierre Trudeau led his Liberal Party through an election for a second time. The ugly fad called Trudeaumania was all but a memory, replaced by bad ideas and slow economic news. The Liberals held on, but were reduced to a minority government. This set up two years of Liberal dependence on the NDP for support. Of course, being the good socialists they were, they demanded things like the creation of Petro Canada. By 1974, the minority situation broke and an election was held. The results were a Liberal majority, and the NDP was reduced to its normal fly-on-the-wall status. Trudeau did end up creating Petro Canada during those lovable N.E.P. days, giving rise to the rumours that Trudeau was more N.D.P. than Liberal.

Fast forward to this decade. Paul Martin and his corrupt band of Liberals claws out a minority result in the last election, and suddenly its the NDP that is creating policy for the nation. Same-sex marriage becomes law (without the say of the Canadian people, of course), a massive special-interest driven federal budget is pushed through. The NDP became the most powerful Party in the nation once again, and history is repeating. Socialists calls for an Alberta money grab are getting louder and more frequent, and the Liberals are left trying to spin-doctor their way out of this one. It doesn't take someone smarter than me to figure out the problem here. A perpetual third or fourth place Party come election time, the NDP is allowed to push its agenda on the Canadian public without having to go through the pain of winning an election. There is a certain freedom in knowing that you will never form a majority government. You are able to come out with radical, outrageous policies and statements without really being taken seriously. But, once in a while, those radical policies become the lifeline between the Liberals and power. Just one more nasty example of how the Canadian political system is flawed. Just one more reason Alberta needs to protect its own.

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Wolves at the Door

When I was young, my father tried to tell me how things were going to be different. I remember him talking about having to 'tighten the family purse-strings' and that a house budget was to be followed. We weren't what you would call a wealthy family, but my dad worked very hard and made sure that we were all taken care of. It was the turn of the decade, and the 1980's showed promise for the province. Then, the Liberal government in Ottawa decided they wanted a cut of the pie. The National Energy Program was instituted, and Alberta suffered. It took until 1986 for the N.E.P. demon to make its way to the workforce in Turner Valley, and when it did, it hit my family hard. We were just one of many Alberta families whose very way of life was stolen by Trudeaus socialist policy. The cost of the Program to the Alberta economy exceeded 100 billion (1980's dollars), and the job losses were in the thousands. An ill-timed policy, the N.E.P. was implemented right when the worlds oil prices dropped. It was, as many Canadian economists would later lament, one of the worst conceived economic policies ever created.

While the N.E.P. was categorized as being a positive step for the nation in regards to controlling its own oil, the truth is the policy was created to redistribute Albertas wealth to the rest of the country. Marc Lalonde, Trudeaus N.E.P. pointman at the time, admitted as much in an interview years later. By the time the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the provinces had control of their natural resources, thereby killing the N.E.P., it was too late. The Liberals had been replaced by Mulroneys Progressive Conservatives, and Albertas economy began a decade-long freeze. It took a solid (and unpopular) financial plan by then-Provincial treasurer Jim Dinning for the province to pull out of the tailspin, and we have once again become the envy of the nation. With the announcement of a record $7 billion in surplus, Alberta has once again been placed in Ottawas crosshairs. The Kyoto Accord, which is being sold in an eerily similar way as the N.E.P., has been pledged by the federal Liberals. The idea is being pushed on the Canadian public as an environmental issue. With the rise of the 'Earth-friendly' attitude in Canada, this tactic plays very well. Do a little digging, however, and it becomes very clear what the Kyoto plan really is: the redistribution of wealth from the rich to the poor nations. The targets stated in the United Nations made document are near impossible for Canada to meet, especially within the time constraints. The federal Liberals know this. That is precisely the idea, you see. For if Canada cannot meet the target numbers, we would then have to buy 'credits' from other nations. Nations, mind you, that not only are among the worst polluters in the world, but that do not have to abide by any Kyoto rules. The poor countries. Where would this have the biggest impact in Canada? Why, in Alberta of course! Our natural resources are once again being seen as belonging to Ottawa, and the feds are once again salivating at the thought of getting their greasy little hands on our surplus. The Kyoto plan will have virtually no effect on the environment; it hasn't been shown to be the least bit effective on the ozone layer. What will Canadas contribution to Kyoto actually do to improve the state of the world? Environmentally, nothing. Economically, it will be the redistribution of wealth. Again. The governments own specialists have come to realize this, and the result is almost half of Canadas Kyoto gurus quitting the team. They have called Kyoto "unachievable and based on questionable science".

Albertans must be reminded of the first wolf that came knocking at our door. It took over the house and demolished it. The wolf is coming back, and it's hungry. The question this time is: will the leader of Alberta stand up to Ottawa, or fold like Premier Lougheed did over the N.E.P.? Who, exactly, can we trust to stand up for Alberta?

Gimme One Reason to Stay Here...

It seems that each day a new article regarding Alberta independence appears in a paper. Cities as big as Toronto and Calgary, and places as small as my home of Fort Saskatchewan, have seen many editorials written. While certain pieces such as the one appearing in the Toronto Star had a kind of 'this may be for real' aura about them, particularly when trying to make sense of high separatist ratings in polls, others have taken the usually Liberal tactic of misrepresentation and smearing. In two recent articles published in the Calgary Sun, writer Jose Rodriguez spends expensive ink rambling on about hillbillies and the like. He makes assumptions without any real research, claiming that by supporting independence my definition of patriotism must be based on 'government and money'. Completely wrong, but the real point has been missed outright. Any time spent on the internet and on the street will reveal many different levels of patriotism. I do consider myself very patriotic - both to Alberta, and to the idea of what Canada could and should have been. The point that is constantly being ignored by the main stream media is that Alberta separatists have come to realize that we cannot change things from the inside. Over and over we are told that it is better to stay and fight for a better Canada. How? Please, would one journalist tell this lowly separatist just how we can do this? Not one of you seem to be able to answer this question. Faith is a wonderful thing to have, but if the reality is that we are going to get repeatedly screwed without end and without a say, why stay? Save valuable time and leave out the romantic imagery of beavers, Tim Horton's coffee, and beer commercials. The true meaning of Canadian patriotism is nothing more than a label.. It is a trademark that falls in and out of style. There is no substance, nothing tangible to cling to as an example. Those who look at separatists as the misguided ones must look inward, and question just what it is that keeps them Canadian at heart. When they find that actual, real reason for me to want to stay, I'd love to hear it - but without the racist labeling, please.

Premiers Meeting = Alberta Shakedown

The meeting of Canadas Premiers that has just completed in Banff was a carbon copy of all other meetings held by our provincial leaders over the past twenty years. Did they come up with innovative ideas? No. Did our premiers start the ball rolling on ways to make Canada great? Not a chance. Through the guise of debating our current state of affairs, the entire conference was unmasked to reveal the same old story. The monster known as 'fiscal imbalance' reared its ugly head. This time it was Ontario Premier McGuinty complaining that his province of Ontario could not continue paying transfer payments to Ottawa, due to the deficit his province is running. McGuintys province, with all of its workforce and industry, running a deficit? This of course is only part of the big picture. Looking at Canada today, the province that is far and away the most successful with regards to generating government income and balancing budgets is Alberta. As we in this province continue to enjoy the benefits of $60 a barrel oil prices and zero debt, the rest of Canada stumbles along, holding on to their liberal economic policies and socialist 'sharing of the wealth'.

The real message that came out of the meetings is hidden, but clear: Alberta isn't paying its fair share to Ottawa, and therefore to the rest of Canada. Only in this country, described to me often by my counterparts as the 'envy of other nations', could a province be punished for being fiscally responsible. But this is hardly surprising, as we have seen this time and again. When the last real boom occurred in Alberta in the middle to late 1970s, Ottawa was all over our treasury, even going so far as to create policy designed to rip funds from our coffers (NEP anyone?). I do not need to tell any of you the outcome on Alberta and our way of life. Now that we have climbed out of the economic sewer and have once again assumed our position as fiscal leader of the nation, the wolves are back at the door. Given the fact that the NEP ghost still lives in the hearts and minds of Albertans, some even too young to remember the first-hand destruction of our stability, Canadas other premiers are devising other ways and means for taking what is rightfully ours. As Premier McGuinty said, "We'll have to come up with something different...".

With Klein near the end and seemingly without the desire to fight, along with no real strong 'Alberta first, Ottawa second' contender to replace him, Albertans must become aware of the impending raid on our economy. It isn't a question of if, but when. What will the Alberta government do? Put out great sound bites, only to roll over to Ottawas demands? Once more bowing down as we did to Trudeau over the NEP? Unfortunately, if history is our guide, the answer is yes. Therefore, it is up to us - the ones who truly consider Alberta as our home - to speak out and fight against another raping of our way of life. We should not have to pay the bill for other provinces inefficient governance and poor fiscal management. We should not have to be the main contributor to the flawed, unproven Kyoto Accord, which Alberta doesn't believe in, and which almost half of the government specialists working on the program resigned due to 'unworkable targets and questionable science'.

When the NEP came into being, I was too young to stand up for my family and my people. Now, much older and a little wiser, I will be front and centre facing the criminals from the East. If our own provincial government won't do it, then it is up to the people.

Eastern Canada Finally Wakes Up

There has been a flurry of activity on the Alberta independence front the past few days. It seems that someone told the Ontario main stream media that there are some Westerners who are a little upset. Articles began showing up in Alberta papers last month touching on the issue, some for and some against. Recently, the Toronto Star ran an article bringing our independence movement to light, giving credibility to the Ontario mindset that our desire for separation was real. I wrote a response as a letter to the editor, and was surprised to have it published within two days. To extend my amazement, the issue has generated interest in the Eastern provinces, with letters being written that give me the impression that those in the far part of the country are sitting up and taking notice. Brian Stewart, of Orleans, Ontario submitted this in the August 9 edition of the Star:

Western separation
"Strangely, the eastern media have ignored a recent survey of Westerners showing a major surge in support for independence. One disturbing revelation is that the growing support is from the younger crowd.
What should scare every Canadian is that it is no longer "the West wants in" but increasingly "the West wants out." So to all those Ontario voters: If you are of the opinion that eastern Canada would be better off without those Western rednecks then continue to vote Liberal, go ahead make their day."

The survey Mr. Stewart refers to was actually published by the National Post. The results were perhaps the wake-up call the Eastern Canadians needed in order to take us seriously. 35% of Western Canadians want to explore the possibility of separation. 36.4% of all under-30 year olds from Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba would like to explore forming our own Western Canada nation. The provincial breakdown (all ages surveyed):

Alberta - 41.9% Saskatchewan - 31.9% B.C. - 30.8% Manitoba - 27.5%

"Westerners are very frustrated with their position in Confederation," said Faron Ellis, a political science professor at Lethbridge Community College, who conducted the poll for Western Standard magazine.
''Canadians across the country should be aware that if these are the bedrock levels of frustration without a crisis, the next crisis [will have] Westerners at least debating the concept,'' he added.

The poll also shows 64% of Westerners think Prime Minister Paul Martin is doing a poor job of ending Western alienation. The poll was conducted by telephone between June 29 and July 5, 2005, and involved 1,448 randomly selected Western residents.

If we needed any additional indication that the time was perfect for our independence movement, we just got it.

* thank you to the Toronto Star, the National Post, and Faron Ellis, Prof. Lethbridge Community College

New Governor-General. Yawn.

Has the hangover ended for you yet? Feeling a little dragged-out after the big party? Did you celebrate the appointment of former CBC journalist and proud Quebecois Michaelle Jean as Canadas new Governor-General? It was a patented Paul Martin move this week when our Great and All-powerful Leader announced the replacement for outgoing firgurehead Adrienne Clarkson. With his vow to correct the 'democratic deficit' hanging out like a big mozza ball, and the encouraging rise of separatism in the West at the forefront of the national media, our P.M. called a play from the old Liberal playbook and decided upon Ms. Jean, a Haitian-born Quebecer and CBC personality.

This moves shows that either Mr. Martin does not appreciate the growing independence movement in Alberta as being a legitimate threat, or the Prime Minister believes that another attempt to kiss the collective asses of Quebecers is the smarter play going in to the next federal election. Either way, the appointment of yet another Liberal-friendly Quebecer to a lofty position is no different than the allegations of buying votes and favours that we have all heard come out of the Gomery inquiry.

Personally, I have no doubt that Ms. Jean is a fine, upstanding member of the community. My beef is not at all with her. The problem exists with the federal government, and their all-too obvious unethical actions. For this position to be used as a political pawn by the Prime Minister shows how little regard the Liberals have for the role in the first place. I must admit that there is good that will come from this, however. Every time the Martin government makes a move like this one, it causes Albertans to think just that little bit longer about supporting independence.