Thoughts on BC Politics and More

To so many central Canadians, Alberta’s sense of alienation is inexplicable, even contemptible. But for John Weissenberger, a transplant from Montreal who built his career, family and life in Alberta, what’s truly confounding is the West’s enduring faith in Canada.  In this sweeping essay – by turns passionate, lyrical and coolly analytical – Weissenberger explains the roots and reasons for Alberta’s frustration, charts the many ways central Canada has plundered and sneered at this most productive province, and makes the case that its grievances be treated seriously. Not just out of fairness, but because Alberta’s spirit and dynamism embody the best of Canada ... CLICK HERE for the full story 

Alberta alienation is unquestionably one of the main takeaways from the federal Liberals’ fourth consecutive win last month. As we discussed last week, polling continues to show a noticeable uptick in support for Alberta independence. The idea of an Alberta separation referendum, while still the purview of a minority, is a topic that deserves to be taken attention—especially given its near-exclusive support on one side of the political spectrum. This week, it was Léger’s turn to weigh in. The firm surveyed 1,000 Albertans between May 9 and 12 on questions of identity and separatism ...  CLICK HERE for the full story

New polling offers fresh insight into how Alberta voters see themselves and their province’s future within Canada. The findings suggest that calls for Alberta independence remain the domain of a vocal minority — at least for now. Moreover, support for independence is not spread across the political spectrum; it is overwhelmingly concentrated among conservative voters. Let’s dive into the newest numbers ... CLICK HERE for the full story

F resh on the job, Mark Carney is facing down a monumental list of challenges. From Trump and his tariffs to national unity and social fracture, the prime minister and his government are dealing with their fair share of pressing issues. Faster economic growth won’t quite solve them, but slow growth will certainly exacerbate them. As Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says, “the economic horse pulls the social cart.” It’s crucial, therefore, that the Carney government is focused on boosting Canada’s economic growth. As a first step, Prime Minister Carney should start by recognizing Canada’s economic engine drives right through the West ... CLICK HERE for the full commentary

... generations of Westerners have fought to reform Canada to make its institutions more representative of the country as it is, not as it was before the settling of the West. As hard and as passionately as they have fought, they failed. So be it. Now it's up to Eastern Canada. If confederation means anything at all to Eastern Canadians beyond a mechanism to redistribute Western resources, it's their move. Meanwhile, the only honourable course left to those of us who love freedom and Western Canada is to face this fact. We must admit that we have a federal government that does not practice federalism. It preaches rights but practices coercion. It promises to build, but all it produces is debt ... CLICK HERE for the full editorial

P reston Manning, former Member of Parliament and founder of the Reform Party of Canada, has raised concerns about growing Western alienation following the re-election of a Liberal minority government under Prime Minister Mark Carney. In a statement released Tuesday, Manning said polling is underway to assess whether the continuation of Liberal rule has deepened the estrangement of Western Canada from Ottawa and the rest of the country. He noted that Carney’s assurances of a "180 degree turn" from key policies of the Trudeau government — including on climate change, pipelines, immigration, and what Manning described as “proliferate deficit spending” — remain to be tested ... CLICK HERE for the full story

CBC NEWS Power and Politics image Preston Manning recently argued in the Globe and Mail that western alienation is now so potent that “a vote for the Carney Liberals is a vote for western secession.” Many have labelled his comments as “unhelpful” in the current political context, and that when Canadian patriotism has been so aroused by threats from the United States, the imperative is to come together and focus on how to face that singular challenge. I agree that Mr. Manning’s comments were over the top — but only a little. Though the U.S. threats certainly demand serious thinking on our part, it is equally true that Canada faces many policy challenges of our own making. And though many people in Ontario and Quebec don’t like to admit it, western alienation is one of those challenges — and no Canadian should dismiss it ... CLICK HERE for the full story  

As I mentioned in a post yesterday, the Province newspaper ran a story with regards to the upcoming Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention. In the piece written by Mike Smyth he stated: British Columbia’s mayors and councillors will gather once again this fall at the annual Union of B.C. Municipalities convention. And, when they do, they will once again be wined and dined at a fancy reception put on by the People’s Republic of China. Meanwhile, as municipal politicians mingle with Chinese power players, the UBCM will be cashing a cheque from the Chinese consulate in Vancouver. I spoke with Kamloops Thompson Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod this afternoon, and asked her about her thoughts, with regards to the Chinese government reception and sponsorship. “ In terms of the issue of UBCM typically I believe in respecting the different jurisdictions of government, but I’m sure glad that the one mayor (Brad West of Port Coquitlam) has raised signi...