The motivations that have contributed to the separatist movement and Alberta’s sense of grievance in recent years are not especially discrete; it’s more like a nebulous Venn diagram. Simple politics have pushed some people toward separatism. Indeed, the paucity of separatist talk during the time when Stephen Harper was prime minister suggests there’s a significant political component to the idea; when Liberals are in power, people feel more inclined to talk about leaving. Culture also plays a role. When Angus Reid pollsters talked to separatists in February 2026, 86.5 percent said they thought Canada forced Alberta to take in too many immigrants, and 96 percent believed that an independent Alberta would better protect personal freedoms.

But ... separatists tend to find the economic arguments particularly seductive. Angus Reid polling shows 96 percent of respondents who want an independent Alberta believe they would be free from economically damaging federal government policies. Separatist leaders promise the elimination of the personal income tax while creating a new provincial sales tax of 5 percent. They also claim Alberta would save $75 billion from no longer paying federal taxes.

Not all separatists promise immediate prosperity, but the argument remains persuasive. Cameron Davies is the leader of the Republican Party of Alberta. “I don’t paint an immediate rosy, utopian picture of what independence looks like,” he says. “Will it be difficult? Yes. Will it be immediate sunshine and rainbows? Probably not. But will it be worth it? Five, ten, fifteen years down the road for your kids and your grandkids? One hundred percent yes.”

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[–] DiabolicalBird@lemmy.ca 9 points 1 day ago (4 children)

So, if Alberta reaches the promised land of glorious independence or whatever, how exactly do they plan on trading outside their borders without being taxed to oblivion by one of two much larger bordering nations any time we try to get resources in or out?

[–] Karmanopoly@lemmy.world 1 points 16 hours ago* (last edited 16 hours ago) (2 children)

Howndoes any landlocked countries do it?

San Marino seems pretty prosperous

[–] GrackleBirb@lemmy.ca 2 points 14 hours ago

San Marino is completely dependent on Italy. People go to Italy for specialist appointments, to shop as the stores in San Marino don't have much selection - they go to Italy to attend university etc. Not a great example. (Andorra is a bit better of an example but they also heavily rely on Spain and less so France)

[–] DiabolicalBird@lemmy.ca 1 points 15 hours ago

Alberta separating would rely entirely on the good will of Canada or the US, one of which we'd have just ripped a chunk out of their country and been a huge pain in the ass... and the other has voiced interest in annexing us and has been threatening their supposed allies across the board. Walking headfirst into that doesn't seem smarter than trying to figure things out within from Canada.

[–] Riverside@reddthat.com 1 points 21 hours ago (1 children)

I don't even live in the American continent, but just to play devil's advocate: Alberta shouldn't become independent because if it does, it will be sanctioned into economic collapse? Doesn't sound like the most fair argument IMO.

[–] DiabolicalBird@lemmy.ca 1 points 15 hours ago (1 children)

It's not necessarily "will" but going independant relies entirely on the good will of the two countries that would border Alberta. One of which we've been antagonizing for years (Canada) and the other has been threatening its "allies" left right and center. Having to renegotiate every trade deal we have after seceding puts Alberta in a fairly precarious position because of this. Fairness isn't really a factor.

[–] Riverside@reddthat.com 1 points 15 hours ago

In my experience as a Spaniard (and our own independence themes with Catalonia and Euskal Herria) antagonizing the pro-independence by threatening them with economic sanctions upon independence usually doesn't have good political results. Nothing quenched the pro-independence more than a progressive-ish government that didn't antagonize them.

[–] ElegantBeef@lemmy.ca 6 points 1 day ago (2 children)

If you believe the APP's website they want to use the UN's 'Law of the Sea', but they also don't want to be a part of the UN cause they do not share values. So seemingly they think they can, they think they can.

[–] Canconda@lemmy.ca 4 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Highly believable that a bunch of Albertans want to use Maritime law in a land locked province.

[–] ElegantBeef@lemmy.ca 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

That convention does guarantee access to trade corridors for landlocked nations, though as the separatists do not want to join the UN I'd be interested in seeing how they think they'd benefit.

[–] Canconda@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 day ago

Even if they do join the UN. I just looked it up and transit states retain the right to ensure none of their interests are infringed upon. So basically AB will have even less leverage than they do now.

[–] DiabolicalBird@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 day ago

Ah yes, wanting all of the benefits without any commitment or obligation on their part. Sounds like Albertan logic to me!

[–] Canconda@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (2 children)

their borders

Teeny Tiny problem... The Government of Alberta doesn't own the land that comprises Alberta. That belongs to the federal government as per multiple treaties with the First Nations.

So like, if the Albertan government leaves Canada they'll probably be reduced to the municipal boundaries of Edmonton or something ridiculous.

[–] DiabolicalBird@lemmy.ca 1 points 1 day ago

See, a problem I'm noticing is everyone seems to assume everyone will make deals in good faith. I don't think the fact that the land isn't owned by Alberta is as much of a "gotcha" as people seem to believe... do you honestly believe that a government that has been using every excuse it can to bypass democracy lately will respect that?

Canada would have to be willing to enforce their ownership of the land. I'm not saying it'd be a good or smart decision on Alberta's part, but I do think they're arrogant enough to try. Particularly if the US sticks its nose in to back Alberta.

The whole thing will be a fucking nightmare if it gets pushed through...

[–] Aatube@lemmy.dbzer0.com 0 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

i haven’t seen anyone claim a deal with the federal government is not needed to secede