What is the Free Alberta Strategy that is fueling separatism from Canada? Could Alberta become a new country?

Time of India

16-05-2025

Danielle Smith's push for Alberta separation is deeply rooted in oil politics, not just alienation-
In the days following Mark Carney's election as Canada's new prime minister, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wasted no time in rolling out dramatic political changes. Among the most striking? Making it easier to hold a referendum — a move that could open the door for a vote on Alberta's separation from Canada.
Smith says this is about 'alienation.' But look closer, and it's clear the driving force is Alberta's oil and gas industry — and a political strategy built years ago around protecting it. That strategy, known as the Free Alberta Strategy, is now at the core of Smith's rhetoric. And it's shaping Alberta's relationship with the rest of Canada in ways that could carry serious consequences.
Is Alberta's separation debate really about oil, not national unity?
The idea that Alberta is being unfairly treated by Ottawa isn't new. But this time, the movement comes with an organized, oil-driven political plan. The Free Alberta Strategy, co-written by Smith's chief of staff Rob Anderson, U of C professor Barry Cooper, and lawyer Derek From, calls on the province to take major steps to reduce its ties to the federal government. That includes creating its own police force, leaving the Canada Pension Plan, and opting out of any federal program seen as interfering with Alberta's control over its resources.
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Anderson and his co-authors claimed in 2021 that Alberta's treatment within Canada had become 'intolerable,' blaming Ottawa for launching an 'assault' on Alberta's most valuable sector — oil and gas. Smith, a long-time ally of Anderson, brought this strategy with her into power and has been following it closely ever since.
What is the Free Alberta Strategy, and how is it shaping policy?
The Free Alberta Strategy isn't just an idea — it's a working plan. Its first priority was the Alberta Sovereignty Act, which Smith introduced as her very first legislative move. That was only the beginning.
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The next steps in the plan included pulling Alberta out of the Canada Pension Plan, creating a provincial police force, and challenging federal control over everything from environmental regulations to education. While the pension plan idea hasn't gained traction and the police force plan is moving slowly, the UCP government has made it clear that the fight is focused on energy.
A key example is Alberta's Critical Infrastructure Defence Act, which has been amended to try and block federal employees from entering facilities that track emissions data — even if those facilities are privately owned.
Alberta has also taken the federal government to court over clean electricity rules and is demanding major rollbacks on federal climate and energy laws — including a complete overhaul of the equalization system, which Alberta ties closely to its oil wealth.
Why is Danielle Smith blaming Ottawa for Alberta's energy struggles?
Oil and gas still drive Alberta's economy. A $1 shift in the price of oil can mean a swing of $750 million in the province's budget. Smith knows this — and she's leaning heavily on that fact to justify her political stance.
Smith argues that Ottawa is holding Alberta back through laws like the Impact Assessment Act, carbon tax policies, and the oil tanker ban on the B.C. coast. She's called on the Carney government to roll back nine federal laws and regulations, all of which affect oil and gas development. Her list includes:
Repealing federal environmental assessments
Removing the B.C. tanker ban
Scrapping the federal clean electricity plan
Ending the proposed emissions cap for oil and gas
Eliminating net-zero mandates for vehicles
Returning carbon tax control to the provinces
Removing the 'toxic' label from plastics
Protecting pipelines through guaranteed economic corridors
Ending what she called 'federal censorship of energy companies'
Almost every demand is tied to Alberta's oil and gas sector.
Could Alberta separation efforts backfire on the oil industry?
Danielle Smith's government insists this is about protecting Alberta's prosperity. But experts say the move could backfire — especially if Alberta were to seriously pursue separation.
In a May 5 speech, Smith criticized Canada's current energy policies, saying: 'We have the most abundant and accessible natural resources of any country on Earth, and yet we landlock them... while enabling polluting dictatorships to eat our lunch.'
But if Alberta actually separates from Canada, the problem of being landlocked could get even worse. The province would no longer have access to the national infrastructure or interprovincial support it needs to move oil and gas to other markets. It might even become more reliant on the U.S. — the 'single customer' Smith herself criticized.
As political scientist Jared Wesley pointed out, Smith's list of demands doesn't reflect a national consensus. Instead, they could stir up deeper frustrations, especially if they fail — making separation talk even more volatile.
Who is behind Alberta's separation talk, and where does Smith stand?
Alberta's frustrations with Ottawa go back over a century. But what's different now is the level of support those feelings are getting from the provincial government.
Smith succeeded Jason Kenney, a federalist who helped create the United Conservative Party but was later pushed out by more hardline elements. Smith and her advisor Rob Anderson belong to that outer flank — the side of the party that sees Ottawa as hostile and believes in taking extreme measures to protect Alberta's energy wealth.
In a recent post, University of Calgary political scientist Lisa Young described today's Alberta separatists in three groups:
True believers who want Alberta to become an independent conservative haven
Instrumentalists who use separation threats to win concessions — similar to Quebec
Skeptics who are loyal to Canada but see the debate as a negotiating tactic
The Free Alberta Strategy dismisses that last group as 'well-meaning and sincere,' but says they 'have not learned from history.'
Where does Smith fall? It's not clear if she truly wants to separate or is using the threat to pressure the federal government. Either way, the stakes are high, and the timing — during a growing trade war with the U.S. — adds even more uncertainty.
What's next for Alberta as it doubles down on oil?
Smith's government continues to shift Alberta's energy priorities. The province is scaling back support for renewable energy, pushing for more natural gas use, and reviewing its industrial carbon tax. These changes go beyond resisting Ottawa — they represent a complete shift in how Alberta wants to power its future.
But at what cost?
In her address, Smith warned of those who would try to 'divide' Albertans. Yet her government's approach suggests there's only one vision for Alberta, one that centers on oil and gas. Disagree with it, and you're seen as part of the problem.
Smith summed up her view with one line: 'Albertans are more of an 'actions speak louder than words' kind of people.'
So far, her government's actions — and the direction of the Free Alberta Strategy — speak louder than any speech.
FAQs:
Q1: What is Danielle Smith's main goal with the Free Alberta Strategy?
To protect Alberta's oil and gas industry from federal climate and energy policies.
Q2: Why is Alberta threatening separation from Canada?
Alberta feels Ottawa is hurting its economy, especially oil and gas, and wants more control.