In a world riven with strife, with democracy and dignity under daily assault in the United States by its president, and with global hegemons rejecting the sovereignty of nations, Canadians should take careful stock of what we have and who we are.
Canada is blessed with vast geography, abundant natural resources and an educated and diverse population. We have the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which enshrines democratic principles and protects minority rights. While imperfect, we have universal health care, K-12 education and support for the elderly and disadvantaged.
In short, we have what the world wants and what we need to compete and win.
A perfect federation? Of course not. But idealized perfection can be the enemy of the good, and there’s no other country where we would rather live today.
And yet, talk of separation is stalking Alberta. As the referendum edges closer, there are 10 aspects that all Canadians need to consider carefully.
First, have we learned from Quebec’s 1995 referendum experience?
Beware of overconfidence and condescending rhetoric. One of the key takeaways from that time is that emotion trumps logic. Brexit reinforced this. In 1995, Jean Charest was a pivotal figure — he was the leader of the Opposition, and a Québécois who spoke with passion. He won over the soft separatists and fired up the “no side” to voice their feelings.
Second, can separatist emotion in Alberta be countered with Canadian emotion?
Alberta and the rest of Canada have so many links — from hockey and football franchises, tourism, national parks, students studying across Canada, Canadians from coast to coast working in the oilsands, and shared military sacrifices in wars and global conflicts. The objective is to paint a compelling picture of the Canadian family for the soft separatists.
Third, will iconic business leaders speak up?
In the past Quebec referendum, francophone Quebecers Paul Desmarais Sr. and Laurent Beaudoin came out strongly on the federal side. So, too, did anglophone leaders such as Charles Bronfman of Seagram, BMO’s Matthew Barrett, RBC’s Allan Taylor and Imasco’s Purdy Crawford. Alberta’s business leaders and top Canadian CEOs cannot afford to sit this out. Who will advocate for a strong Alberta within a united Canada? The Chamber has an important role to play — nationally, in Calgary and Edmonton, and in smaller centres. Neutrality should not be an option, as it favours the separatists.
Fourth, will the prime minister and former prime minister work together?
Will the prime minister, who hails from Alberta, reach out to and work closely with former prime minister Stephen Harper in rallying support for a united Canada? That would be a smart move. Will Pierre Poilievre rally his caucus, and particularly those from Alberta, to be vocal and visible on the pro-Canada side?
Fifth, will the pro-Canada side have a strong ground game in Alberta?
It matters in elections and in referendum campaigns. Former premier Jason Kenney, an excellent organizer, would be a great asset. What role will the Alberta government play? Will the Alberta NDP up their game?
These are just five of the ten areas to watch. The remaining five include the role of media, the impact of external events, the importance of youth engagement, the need for clear messaging, and the potential for legal challenges. All Canadians should pay close attention as the referendum approaches.
