Maritimers weigh in on Alberta referendum

First at Five looks at how Maritimers feel about the possibility of Alberta separating from Canada.

Alberta weighing its options on potentially leaving Canada leaves mixed feelings for those in the Maritimes.

“If they want to leave, leave. I don’t really care,” said Patrick Griffin.

“Well, I think they should stay with us. We can just straighten out a few things,” countered Don Downey.

“I lived in Alberta for five years and it’s a nice place. I like Alberta. I have family and friends out there, but I think they should stay with us. They shouldn’t really separate because we actually need that. And as well as they need us.”

“Alberta is a great place and they do a lot for us, but I think they’re crazy if they want to separate,” added John Webb.

The questions around this specific referendum are unique in that it is two tiered.

“It’s a major instrument, and it’s when politicians said, ‘this issue is so divisive or so important that we turn it over to the people and let the people decide,’” explained Donald Savoie, a former professor of political science at the University of Moncton.

“The likelihood, in my view, is not very strong, but it’s still there. And, as we all know, an election campaign can take a life of its own. And where it goes after momentum shifts one way or the other, it’s difficult. And so it’s always risky. There’s never a referendum that has no risk.”

The impacts of such a move would create ripples through the country, if it were to move forward.

“Just voting in favor of having a referendum really doesn’t move them forward very far constitutionally, until there actually is a majority vote in favour of separating,” said Wayne MacKay, a professor of law at Dalhousie University in Halifax.

“But, if the whole process were to play out, which is a big if and a very long if, it would have obviously important consequences both for the rest of Canada, including the Maritimes and Atlantic Canada, and also for Alberta itself.”

Questions around Atlantic Canadians’ futures also come into play.

“And many complicated questions. I mean, from an Atlantic Canada point of view, of course, over the years, many young people went out west searching for jobs, like the fields and those kind of things. And so that would be a big impact,” MacKay said.

Premier Danielle Smith has stated that she will uphold the will of the people, though some are skeptical.

“Danielle Smith, she’s full of bologna. When she says, ‘I’m going to vote to keep Canada. I doubt it,” said Griffin.

“She’s already put a provision in to make it easier to do, so if they want to go, bye.”

MacKay adds the timing is unfortunate.

“I think for Danielle Smith to be proceeding in this way, because obviously we’re focused quite successfully on promoting Canadian unity against the very pressing threats south of the border and tariffs and other threats to the 51st state,” he said.

“And it seems to me it’s very bad timing from a Canada-wide perspective to be even pursuing this in any way. And even more surprising that she’s doing it, given that the odds are so heavily weighed against any likelihood of it happening.”

Savoie says he understands the grievances Alberta is facing.

“Alberta has a legitimate gripe. And in this federation, there’s an inherent bias towards Ontario, Quebec. We’ve lived with it. We don’t have much of a choice in the Maritime provinces, but Alberta has the economic strength to say enough is enough,” said Savoie.