Since the federal election, a number of debates have been sparked in Alberta on whether or not its residents wish to be independent from Canada. Or, in a slightly different move, become the 51st state of the United States.
Either way, B.C. is in a unique position of being flanked by only one province– that being Alberta, of course.
If Wild Rose Country Alberta actually declares independence, what does that mean for Beautiful British Columbia?
ECONOMIC TROUBLES
It may come as no surprise, but Alberta is one of B.C.’s biggest provincial trading partners with a $30 billion annual estimate in trade. Additionally, the highways, pipelines, and railways that cross through Alberta would pose a significant issue for B.C. if Alberta were to separate from Canada. Many B.C. ports are reliant on these passageways that deliver goods from other areas of the country.
Trevor Trombe, a University of Calgary economist, believes that Alberta would have to maintain their trade with B.C., regardless if the referendum is successful. Due to B.C.’s own oil and gas production, Alberta could potentially shift toward B.C. in solving their economic uncertainty or adding to margins if Albertan independence becomes a reality.
Additionally, if Alberta were to become independent, that would make them completely land-locked. They would have complete reliance on B.C. ports to export their goods (primarily oil), which puts them at an intense disadvantage with other independent countries who are able to freely trade through their own ports.
Much Internet speculation points to one thing: Alberta won’t separate. Or, more like they can’t. The only leverage Alberta currently has over B.C. are their aforementioned roads and trains and pipes that B.C. uses. And aside from oil, there’s not much else.
AN UNLIKELY RESULT
In spite of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith moving the number of required referendum signatures to 423,000 lower than before, many think that it is unlikely that Alberta will achieve independence.
Indigenous groups are currently scoffing at Alberta’s separatist movement. In a statement delivered by Chief Troy Bossman Knowlton of the Piikani Nation, he said that, “This is treaty country, and any talk of separation is really insanity… You can have all the referendums you want.”
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Alberta is covered by Treaties 6, 7, and 8, with a legal promise made between the Crown and Indigenous peoples. If Alberta wishes to separate, then first they would require the consent of the peoples whose land they are on.
As of now, it is unknown how far Alberta’s separatist movement will reach, and whether this dream of independence will come true.
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