Thousands demand an independent Alberta, is Canada on the brink of breaking apart?

Time of India

05-05-2025

Alberta separation is gaining momentum as frustration grows among many Albertans who feel left out of national decisions, especially after another federal Liberal win. Once-proud Canadians like Katheryn Speck are now backing rallies for Alberta's independence. With Premier Danielle Smith proposing easier referendum rules and anger rising over blocked pipelines and energy policies, talks of separation are heating up. Protesters say Ottawa ignores Alberta's economy, while Indigenous leaders warn of treaty violations. This powerful and emotional movement is forcing Canada to face real questions about unity, fairness, and the future of Confederation.
Rising frustration in Alberta sparks a new wave of separation talk as citizens call out blocked pipelines, ignored votes, and energy struggles. With Premier Smith lowering referendum barriers, Alberta's independence debate just got louder. Is separation really possible ?
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A growing number of Albertans are openly voicing their frustration with the federal government, with some now calling for Alberta to separate from Canada. The recent re-election of the federal Liberal Party and long-standing grievances about energy policies, pipelines, and federal representation have added fuel to the fire.On Saturday, hundreds gathered at the Alberta Legislature in Edmonton, waving Alberta flags and chanting in support of separation. Among them was Katheryn Speck, once a proud Canadian nationalist who travelled abroad with a maple leaf on her backpack. Today, she feels deeply let down.The story of Alberta's discontent isn't new, but it's growing louder. For decades, many in the province have felt left out of national decision-making. One of the turning points for Speck was the National Energy Program (NEP) of the 1980s, which she says destroyed her pride in Canada.Fast forward to today, and many Albertans believe the federal Liberals have crippled their economy by blocking pipeline projects and limiting oil and gas development. With the Liberals winning another term, many here feel like their voices don't count in national elections.That idea is no longer far-fetched. Earlier this week, Premier Danielle Smith's government introduced new legislation that would lower the threshold for holding referendums. Smith didn't say what kind of issues people might vote on, but this change could make it easier for citizens to call for a referendum on Alberta independence.On her radio show, Smith said, 'Everything I do is changing Alberta's relationship with Ottawa,' adding that First Nations treaty rights wouldn't be affected. However, not everyone agrees.Piikani Nation Chief Troy Knowlton responded in a public letter, warning that Alberta can't override or cancel treaties between Indigenous peoples and the federal government. Some counter-protesters at the rally also raised concerns about how separation would impact those treaties.Separation isn't just a concern for older Albertans. At the rally, 17-year-old Hannah Henze said she might have felt differently if Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre had won the election.This sense of hopelessness isn't rare. Many at the protest said they believe Alberta's economy is ignored by the rest of Canada. Leo Jensen, another rally-goer, compared the federal government's response to Alberta's oil industry with its reaction to job losses in Ontario's auto sector.Despite the frustration, Premier Smith said she still believes in a sovereign Alberta within a united Canada, but she's warned that if the federal government doesn't act on her demands, the country could face a 'national unity crisis.'Still, some Albertans believe separation is the only way forward. Susan Westernaier, who also attended the protest, believes Alberta could stand on its own.Whether Alberta seriously pursues separation or not, one thing is clear: the province's frustration with Ottawa is deep and growing. And now, with changes that could make referendums easier, the question of Alberta's place in Canada may soon come to a vote.It's a growing push by some Albertans who want the province to leave Canada over political and economic frustrations.Many feel ignored by Ottawa, especially on energy policies and election outcomes that don't reflect Alberta's votes.