Thoughts on BC Politics and More

Premiers representing the territories and Western provinces will gather in Kananaskis, Alberta, for a two-day meeting starting today. What's happening: Pipelines, separatism, equalization payments and Indigenous land rights could be among the hot topics discussed as the premiers sit down today in Alberta. BC's David Eby, Alberta's Danielle Smith, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Premier Wab Kinew of Manitoba are all expected to attend. Premiers at odds: Smith and Eby have been at odds in recent months after the signing of the memorandum of understanding on a potential new pipeline project to the Pacific coast. Eby criticized Smith's approach to separation and pipeline talks earlier this month. Both leaders have suggested the meetings could get awkward ... CLICK HERE for the full story 

Members and constituency associations of the United Conservative Party (UCP) of Alberta are submitting proposals calling on the party to add independence to its official list of policies. Sources inside the party tell the Western Standard that about 5% of the resolution proposals the party has received this year suggest adding independence to its statement of principles. This is the first year the party has received such resolutions on independence, the sources say, noting that all the suggested resolutions are being treated “with the respect they deserve" ... CLICK HERE for the full story 

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the public desire in her province to quit Canada has never been higher. Speaking Thursday to reporters in Calgary, Smith said Albertans feel deeply frustrated and angry with Ottawa. She cited a separatist candidate who garnered almost 18 per cent of the vote in a byelection in the Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills riding earlier this week. “I’ve never seen such a high level of separatist sentiment,” she said ... CLICK HERE for the full story

Prime Minister Mark Carney named his new cabinet last week. Do his choices suggest some electoral considerations came into play on who did and didn’t made the cut — and does a cabinet minister make a difference at the ballot box? Plus, Pierre Poilievre’s byelection in Battle River–Crowfoot looms, as does the prickly subject of Alberta separation. This week on The Numbers, Éric and Philippe discuss some of these new developments in federal politics. We also delve into new polling numbers in Ontario and Alberta, as well as in Quebec where the Parti Québécois is holding a wide lead. Could Pablo Rodriguez, if he wins the Quebec Liberal leadership, shake things up? And how could a referendum on Alberta independence impact that debate in Quebec? CLICK HERE to hear to podcast

It is safe to say that many in the West are deeply disappointed by the results of the recent federal election. After 10 years of economic and fiscal mismanagement by the Liberals in Ottawa, we believed that, finally, we’d have a federal government aligned with our core values and objectives. This is not Alberta looking for special favours from the feds, but merely looking for policies that don’t specifically target our primary economic sector ... ... It stands to reason, then, that many Albertans, and fiscally conservative Canadians, are wary and distrustful of another Liberal government and Prime Minister Mark Carney. It has even reignited talk of separation. Over the years, many of us in Alberta have periodically pondered separation when Ottawa seemed completely out of touch. Premier Danielle Smith has now tabled a bill proposing to lower the bar for a citizen-led constitution question to be put on the ballot ... CLICK HERE for the full commentary