ALBERTANICUS

Why Living in Toronto Made Me Sympathetic To Alberta Separatism

I am leaving for Toronto today where I will resume my teaching duties at a small evangelical graduate school.

For the last 3 years I have taught at the school during the winter months, and then returned to Alberta for the summers to work with my family on the ranch.

I must confess that living in Toronto has pushed me over the edge in support of Alberta autonomy. Before, like most Albertans I was looking to the politicians at the federal level to bring some change-- but I'm not really looking to them any longer.

Toronto as 'the centre of the universe' is not a great over-exaggeration, but one that does make the point. Even people in Ontario who live outside Toronto, don't like the Terrahnna mentality.

After living in Toronto a bit I have witnessed first hand the domination of power by the tiny handful of elitist, Orwellian, social overseers.

Don't be fooled, these overseers will not stop with SSM. They will not allow Alberta to resist conformity. They will not allow Alberta to resist sharing its wealth.

The fact is, the Toronto elites are on a moral crusade to dismantle the pillars of Western Civilization in Canada.

And so this Toronto elitist morality will be imposed on everybody else.

I didn't realize that they were such fundamentalists (a smear). Their morality is as firm as a cement wall. It is a morality of which they are the law-givers and the priests. The Toronto elites demand your homage. And if you remain under their domain, you will have to give it.

If you are waffling about supporting a New Albertanism, you need to be ready. A theocracy is being imposed from the newspaper and television outlets of Toronto. But it is not one that has God at the head of it (the dreaded Christian agenda), but it has the Toronto elites at the head of it.

The Toronto elites are the gods.

Isn't that what the 'centre of the universe' is designed for?

I'd rather be an Albertan heretic.

Alberta, Western Alienation, Toronto

Globe Says Alberta is 'Sabre-rattling'; Adds Q&A about Equalization

Alberta's desire to protect its natural resources and the accrued royalty monies from them is being percieved as 'sabre-rattling' by the Globe & Mail. In another article that follows, the Globe offers a Q&A about how the Equalization system works. The conclusion is that Ontario is not getting a fair deal.

Browse through the related articles (behind the subscriber wall) and you will see Alberta being described as stingy.

Albertans should not be surprised that Ontario MP's will feel a moral obligation to right the fiscal injustice.

With all of the "Ontario as a have-not province" rhetoric, would it not be a logical platform for an Ontario Liberal MP to run on?

Watch for a host of "Ontario First" Liberal campaigns during the upcoming election.

But of course the irony is that Canada is designed to be 'Ontario First'. There is nothing novel or radical in that.

The Toronto MSM is cranking up its machinery to paint Alberta as evil and greedy. Although Albertans have received this abuse for years, the time is coming soon when 'don't fence me in' becomes 'don't tread on me'.

It is the difference between submitting to Confederation or standing alone outside of it.
Alberta
Ontario
Western Alienation

Albertans can learn from Iranians. Maybe not so much from the ruling theocrats in Iran, but from the pro-democracy reformists.

The strategy of the Iranian democracy advocates is to encourage widespread blogging. The intended result is a foment of grass-roots political action among the young, tech-friendly Iranian middle-class at home and abroad.

One such blogger is Hossein Derakhshan (aka Hoder). He blogs the popular Editor: Myself. Hoder has been a voice promoting the power of the blogosphere as a change agent in Iran (see here and here).

Albertans can learn from such examples. If concrete thinking about greater Alberta autonomy is to be produced, then it will likely be stirred by Albertans blogging about it.

So if you are an Albertan thinking about what Alberta's future is going to be like:

Start a blog. Post a comment. Self-publish your ideas.

It may be that other Albertans need to hear what you are saying.

Alberta, Iran, Democracy, Blogosphere

Globe & Mail Reports Liberal Strategist Predicting Majority

A Liberal strategist claims that the Liberals could make gains in Ontario and the West in order to secure a majority government.

Openly admitting that the Liberals would try to stay in the political middle, the strategist believes ground can be taken from the centre-left, while marginalizing the Conservatives as extreme right.

What this brazen admission shows is the the Governing party in Canada does not believe anything except what is expedient for maintaining and solidifying power.

The crisis of Confederation in Canada has partially resulted from such small-minded partisanship.

Albertans will not have patience much longer for the Governing party's hegemony. And those espousing a New Albertanism have already realized that the rules of the game are set by Ontario. If they win every time, why keep playing?

Alberta, Albertanism,

What is "the New Albertanism"?

As stated in the masthead of Albertanicus, this weblog aims to be "calling for a New Albertanism that moves beyond the Separatist movement."

The challenge arises to define what this New Albertanism is.

In response, it is more accessible to present some main pillars of the New Albertanism, rather than an academic treatise on the subject. The simple fact is that the New Albertanism is the philosophy of most Albertans, whether derrick-hands, home-makers, or market analysts. It follows as well that the pillars of the New Albertanism form the architecture of agreement among Albertans.

The New Albertanism defines the contours of consensus.

Pillars of the New Albertanism:

1) No longer seeks to win political influence in Ottawa through federal politics.

This doesn't mean that Albertans will absent themselves from Federal elections. Rather, it refers to the attitude of Albertans who no longer pin their hopes for change on the success of a federal political party. Albertans will continue to elect the people to represent their interests federally, but they will not expend their best energies on a system that will not permit them to have success.

By contrast, some will continue to believe that the myth of influence can become a reality. However, the New Albertanism does not wish to be myopic any longer, but to clearly act in light of existing realities.

2) Considers independence, autonomy, refederation or separation as possible options to be explored, but wishes to look before leaping.

This attitude among Albertans expresses their common-sense caution, while earnestly seeking new solutions to existing problems.

They may not want to be called separatists because they want to have a clearer idea of what a separated Alberta will look like. But the fact that they are sympathetic to the notion shows that they are not willing to continue in futile efforts at the federal level.

3) Does not comply with the efforts of oligarchies to dismantle the hallmarks of Western Civilization.

Canada is being characterized by oligarchy (rule by a few). These self-appointed gatekeepers will only allow opinion that aids the erosion of tested norms and maxims of the West. The abolition of exclusive heterosexual marriage, merit in labor, and differentiation without discrimination have been the inherent pursuit of the Intelligentsia class. Albertans will not allow this self-appointed ruling class to rule any longer. They can still have a voice, but one that is not disproportionate to their position in a democracy.

4) Wishes to see Alberta flourish as a leader among other nations.

Although relatively small in land-mass, Alberta has had exponential growth in its influence throughout the global community. Although relatively young, Alberta has quickly earned a voice in the most significant corridors of power.

By combining keen productivity and a desire for moral integrity, Alberta has been a model for other nations who wish to better themselves, rather than bolster their elites.


5) Does not want to continue to be seen as 'guilty by association' because of the Federal Government's scandal and cowardice.

The erosion of Canada from a nation of proud history with a heritage of integrity has had many implications. On the world scene, Canada enjoys a reputation for weakness, opportunism, immaturity and irresponsibility.

The fact that Albertans wish to distance themselves from this reputation stems from their own moral disdain for the federal government's actions. Albertans no longer wish to be complicit in the folly of the Federal government.

Albertanism, Alberta, Western Alienation, Alberta separatist

How To Win The Word Wars

An insightful post by Kate McMillan argues that conservatives in Canada should learn from their American counterparts and use political-correctness to their advantage.

Rather than being defensive when slurs like 'bible-thumper' or 'redneck' are used as code for 'Albertan', McMillan says that a healthy dose of linguistic intolerance needs to be applied.

By fighting over semantics, the anti-Albertan, anti-Christian, anti-rural bigotry can be exposed and confronted.

The autonomy advocates in Alberta should learn these lessons, and engage in this oft-neglected battle front.

Have-Not Ontario Will Demand Alberta's Wealth

In a Globe and Mail article today a new study argues that Ontario is becoming a 'have-not' province.

If Ontario is not getting its fair share of cash from the Federal government, then it is inevitable for Ontario to look longingly towards the oil money of Alberta.

Though some Ontario politicians are reluctant to initiate the idea of a redistribution program (eg. NEP), they would be supportive if someone else did.

Albertans have heard the rumors, and they may prove to be true.

Ontario wants Alberta's wealth.

But the Toronto MSM machine does not see this as envy, but as justice. Their view is that Ontario is the economic engine of the nation, and therefore it is right and proper for it to expect to be fueled by the other provinces---especially high-octane ones like Alberta. From Ontario's perspective, redistribution of Alberta's wealth is simple justice.

In view of this, Albertans need to be prepared for a common tactic of Canadian MSM, that is to argue for Ontario and against Alberta, based on moral grounds.

The issue then becomes, 'Whose morality?'

Alberta's position is grounded much firmer in reality and truth.

Let Albertans never think that their beliefs about right and wrong are separate from their views on the economy.

CIVITATENIS has posted thoughts on Mr. Martin's attempts to salve western alienation that parallel the Albertanicus post here. Essentially, Mr. Martin is offering little more than cold comfort.

Language gives an idea shape. The shape of the idea can be illuminating or restrictive. Since the meanings of words suffer entropy like everything else, it is necessary to express an old idea in a new way. We see this often when a stereotype develops that is linked to a certain word.

Two words that have been subjected to a restrictive, rather than illuminating shape are the terms, "separatist" and "alienation".

Both terms are familiar to Albertans. They are a part of our political 'thought-world'. However these terms do not adequately express what many people would like them to.

Although an Albertan may wish to be independent of the Federal government's grasp, it is difficult for him/her to identify themselves as a separatist since the word has too many connections to the FLQ, radicalism, or armed revolution.

As well, an Albertan may be frustrated with feelings of 'Western Alienation' but he/she is not solely defined by the approval of an oligarchy of politicians and newspaper publishers. Being alienated assumes that there is a wish to be included. But for many Albertans, that wish is no longer there. They are tired of trying to break into the other guy's club.

For many people, the banners with words of separatist and alienation are ably waved without apology. They are not bothered by the name-calling of others.

But for some Albertans, these words don't quite express what they desire to express.

For these Albertans, may I suggest a new phrase for their philosophy: the New Albertanism.

Please return to Albertanicus as we explore the shape of a new idea which is not really new at all.

Alberta, Western Alienation, Alberta separatist

National Post On Martin's Visit with Canada West

NP reports on Prime Minister Paul Martin's visit to Edmonton where he sat down with the Canada West Foundation.

Martin's hope is to address western alienation, so he chose the centrist, pro-West think-tank Canada West Foundation.

Roger Gibbins of Canada West told Mr. Martin that issues like senate reform needed to be dealt with before the mood in the West would change.

However, Mr. Gibbins has underestimated the dissatisfaction of Albertans. One issue like senate reform will not be enough. Albertans are looking at wholesale changes in how they allow themselves to be governed.

Mr. Gibbins believes national leadership from Alberta is the way to go. But what Mr. Gibbins' statements show is the myth of influence is still believed by a naive generation.

Sadly Mr. Manning's experiment failed. As a result, the myth of influence lost its only possible kernel of truth. Had Manning's efforts succeeded, Albertan's would have more difficulty in jettissoning their belief in Ontario's benevolence toward the West.

But sadly Manning failed. And those who continue to believe in the myth may enjoy the fleeting experience of influence from time to time (see Canada West and Paul Martin), but the myth remains seated in unreality.

Albertanism, Alberta

Western Standard Editor Asks the Billion Dollar Question

If Alberta separates, what then? Kevin Libin poses some of the problems of a non-Confederated Alberta and warns that we could have our own mini-Ottawa right here in our backyard.

The concerns raised about the Alberta Tories and the current democratic deficits in our own provincial structure show that Albertans need to clean up the backyard before selling the house.

But just because the vision for a post-Confederation Alberta is not clearly defined today, doesn't mean it won't be clear tomorrow.

Albertans are applying their creative and accomplishing skills to the cause of an Alberta free to a bright new future, not just from the oligarchy that displaced the Dominion of Canada.

Separatism, Alberta

Mark Steyn writes a brilliant piece showing Canada's decrepid reputation on the global political scene, as well as the decripid morality that is forced to be tolerated.

When Steyn comments on the 'Orwellian' characteristic of Canadian 'tolerance', he is telling Albertans something they already know.

Why are Albertans not 'tolerated'?
1) Because even if they don't share the same faith and creed as Evangelicals, they still believe in the right of Evangelicals to speak.

2) Because Albertans won't be controlled by a special-interest oligarchy whether from Ottawa or Church Street, Toronto.

3) Albertans know enough about the sacrifices and self-discipline that it took to build the West, not to mention Western Civilization, that they can spot easily the destructiveness of sanctioned homosexuality on any culture.

The question for Albertans is whether they will submit themselves to this kind of state-enforced 'tolerance' or think for themselves. Let us hope that Albertans stay true to form.

Tolerance, Alberta

The Western Standard's Shotgun posted the link to Hugh Hewitt's post on the foiled Al Qaeda attack on the British Parliament.

Hewitt's point was that MSM [mainstream media] in North America has missed out again.

Hewitt's book on the Blogosphere documents the slow death of the MSM, and should be read by all.

What is amusing is that in Canada, the MSM is on life-support and yet still cries, 'I'm okay! I'm okay!'

Take the article in Macleans [here] where the author wishes to minimize the impact of the blogosphere (even though he has a blog too).

Minimal impact? Just ask Trent Lott, John Kerry or Dan Rather.

The charge of hypocrisy levelled against Pierre Poilievre [ see my post here, via here, and the original charge from here] has been replied to in an email from Ezra Levant.

Levant denies that Poilievre was ever a separatist. Levant affirms that the charges amount to a Liberal 'web hoax' aimed at diverting attention away from their exposed flank on the G.G. appointment.

Thanks to Mr. Levant for the clarification.

Western Standard

During a thread discussion resembling a dogpile on Albertans pondering paths to greater independence, this comment was left by Abe from Alberta. In it he makes 17 points responding to the charge that Albertans are hopelessly naive about the consequences of separation.

Read the original post 'Questions for Alien Albert Separatists'. Read Abe from Alberta's comments. Decide for yourself if the new Autonomy Advocates of Alberta are all rash and unthinking fools.

Western Financial Group based in High River, AB could become the major banking power in the West to compete with the Bay Street Bulwarks, according to an article by Peter C. Newman in Macleans.

Western Financial Group head, Scott Tannas is assembling a powerful network that bypasses Bay Street in favor of Montreal's Anglo Establishment.

How will WFG jump into the ring with the Bay Street banks? By positioning itself to acquire Alberta Treasury Branch when it is inevitably privatized.

The implications for Alberta's autonomy are significant. Newman himself says that real power lies with the banks, not the politicians.

If Alberta could have a bank of big-box proportions, the current Bay Street dependency would be ended. Furthermore, it would signal the placement of one more cornerstone in the construction of a viable, free-standing Alberta.

David Frum has chided the Canadian MSM (mainstream media) for being, "pathetically eager to be to be spun" in the Michaelle Jean case.

Frum briefly documents the 'loyalty tests' which have been applied by Paul Martin in order to maintain his incredulous control. Coupled with the hypocrisy of sordid characters from Layton to Stronach, and it comes as no surprise that Frum has little good to say about Canadian politics.

Such is the conclusion of Albertans who are seriously considering ways to get upwind of the Canadian parliamentary cesspool.

Otherwise, the anachronism of positing Poilievre as a SPA member is a rearguard smear in defense of the Governor General.

The term 'separatist' conjures images of rash zealots tilting against windmills. And fundamentally, the vocabulary of separatism is the separatist's Achilles heel.

Since large swaths of Alberta's populace are entertaing separatist thoughts---at least at the scuttlebutt level--- one wonders why there hasn't been more unfettered discourse about secession at a popular level. The reason may be right on the tip of the tongue.

The hindrance of nomenclature which the Separatist movement faces has been recognized by some, but not others.

For example, the Alberta Alliance party speaks of 'autonomy', while Link Byfield's Citizens Centre speaks of 'refederation'. To these could be added the terms, 'Albertanism', 'regional rights', and the familiar, 'independence'.

But the Separation Party of Alberta sees fit to retain the language of 'separation' in its name, thereby retaining all of the negative baggage associated with the term.

The fact is that the all of the aforementioned desire the same thing, namely a freer Alberta. As with all conservative institutions in Canada, the challenge is to bring everyone together, without selling one's soul.

For all those yearning for a new tomorrow in Alberta, let us hope we can get our words right.

American Conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt has noted how the current information reformation is being lead by Center-Right bloggers moreso than their Leftist counterparts.

Hewitt cites 'timeliness and productivity' as key attractions for blogging 'consumers'. He claims that conservative bloggers are mastering the skills in the blogosphere, while rejecting the vulgarity and profanity characterizing liberal blogging.

For Albertans who desire to be opinion shapers, mastery of the blogosphere ought to be a priority. If Hewitt's analysis is taken to heart by the Alberta separatist movement, it can only help. Surely it will only clarify the optics of separatists as being peopled by the reflective and sane.

Thanks to Captain's Quarters for pointing to Hewitt's Weekly Standard article.

Colby Cosh posted on the G.G. and how the Quebeckers are nationalists using separatism as a leverage tool.

He notes that 'binary' thinking Albertans will rapidly take far-reaching action if secession is decided upon. I guess that's what happens to a place 'dominated by the Protestant imagination'.

David Frum has commented on the way that the Governor General's office has become nothing more than another pawn in partisan politics.

His observations on the way that the Liberals have gutted Canada are accurate. He writes:

"It is a strange thing about the Liberal Party. They constantly insist they are the party of patriotism and the party of national unity. Yet over four decades, they have systematically destroyed one Canadian institution after another, severing the connections between Canadians and their past."

There is no Canada left. Only the ravaged skeleton of a once proud nation.

Although Frum's article was not intended to address the reasons for an Alberta Separatist movement, it certainly did.

The announcement that Dick Cheney will be visiting Alberta displays another emblem of Albertan independence. Although Ralph Klein will not endorse separatist moves other than these economic ones, the symbolism is clear enough.

U.S. energy policy is factoring in the Alberta oilsands as a hedge against dependence upon the Middle East. As a result, Alberta has taken a role in global affairs that is extraordinary given Alberta's current jurisdiction (a mere province).

Economically, Alberta is establishing a parallel set of relationships with the global community. Alberta will not allow her future economic prosperity to be siphoned off by the Liberal oligarchy.

However, economic independence in a real sense can only be achieved through a concerted plan of self-determination. Only when Albertan's establish their own government, reflecting their own beliefs and values will a more secure freedom be realized.

Many Thanks to the Reformer's Firebrand for the comments on Cheney's visit, although I'm unsure of what the 'moonbat cult' is. :)

The ring of the tolling bell continues to be heard after the awakening poll was published by the Western Standard a short time ago.

Kevin Steel makes the comment that the separatist movement is becoming characterized by those, "too young to be nursing any grudges over the National Energy Program" (see here).

Part of the rise in the number of '20-30 somethings' who share separatist sentiments may be due to the availablity of new technology. Today, rapid information collection and response is the bread-and-butter of many young Albertans. They are doing their own research and drawing their own conclusions---independently. Only an older, non-tech savvy generation is beholden to the MSM [Mainstream Media] produced in Toronto.

This phenomenon is not isolated to Alberta, but is part of the changing landscape of public discourse everywhere. 'Blogging' is inaugurating a transformation of society unseen since the days of Gutenberg's press ( See Hugh Hewitt's book, Blog: Understanding the Information Reformation That's Changing Your World). As young Albertans harness the power of the blogosphere, the propaganda machines of the Mothercorp and her clones will not be able to quell the mounting tide of righteous indignation.

Now that a separatist is the 'head' of the nation (referring to the new G.G., albeit a figurehead position), should there not be a fresh recognition of 'regional rights'.

The hypocrisy of Canada as a confederation of equals is becoming more and more blatant. A push by Alberta for regional rights is only proper in the Canada of today.

Will the current 'buzz' surrounding the issue of Alberta separatism (see here) be translated into concrete action across the spectrum?

"We have not journeyed all this way across the centuries, across the oceans, across the mountains, across the prairies, because we are made of sugar candy...but if anybody likes to play rough, we can play rough too." ---Winston Churchill.

Who is more likely to share this sentiment today? Ottawa or the West?

Is there a Churchillian leader who can solidify the vision for a Post-Confederation Alberta?

The pursuit of a New Albertanism is summarized well by David Warren. His observations regarding the passivity of belief among Ontarians are boldly correct.

The question for Albertans now is whether the remnants of 'Anglo' identity will be preserved or jettisonned.