
Wednesday's letters: Pushing separation isn't Smith's job
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I've served in the Canadian navy, lived in five provinces and settled in Edmonton. We have the best country in the world. Politicians that even hint at separation should be charged with treason; no excuses. Their job is to make our home better, not destroy it.
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Danielle Smith and Mickey Amery are furious that a nonpartisan official did his job — because it got in the way of their latest performance art: the Alberta Separation Clown Show. They wanted a referendum question asking if Alberta should leave Canada. The chief electoral officer did what adults do when children play with fire — he called in the courts.
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That's when the UCP lost it. They don't want oversight. They want a blank cheque, signed by rage and underwritten by stupidity. And they're wasting your tax dollars pushing a question that will be laughed out of court and flushed down the toilet of constitutional law. This isn't democracy. It's cosplay for cowards who can't govern. While families struggle, they're busy stroking the egos of separatist zealots with tinfoil hats and Facebook diplomas.
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The UCP doesn't want sovereignty. They want chaos and they want you to pay for it.
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There has been much discussion about the long-ballot issue in the Battle River-Crowfoot byelection. I believe that the process underway is wrong for Alberta. I submit this as a Progressive Conservative rural candidate from the Lougheed government era and cabinet minister for two terms (1971-79). A very serious mistake seems underway. There has to be a better way.
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I urge Mr. Poilievre to step aside, and do so on behalf of the well-meaning folks in the Battle River-Crowfoot Alberta constituency. I was elected twice by rural Albertans, and they taught me a lot. What's going on now is not likely what these rural voters want. Make a mistake like this and you'll hear about it forever. Start over; take advice from those whose experiences know better.
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There are potential opportunities for Canada to grow its market share. Last year, agri-food and seafood exports represented nearly 29.6% of Canada's total merchandise exports to the Indo-Pacific region, being ranked as the largest sector for merchandise exports. On December 2, 2024, Canada and Indonesia signed a joint statement announcing the conclusion of negotiations for a Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and committed to sign the CEPA in 2025. Indonesia is a G20 country and Southeast Asia's largest economy. With a population of 279 million and GDP of close to $1.9 trillion in 2023, the Indonesian market holds significant potential for Canadian traders, investors, and service providers. Once concluded and in force, the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) will open new pathways for trade and investment between Canada and ASEAN member states, including the Philippines. For our agri-food sectors, it means expanded market access, reduced trade barriers, and a more predictable environment for businesses in Canada, the Philippines and our other ASEAN regional trading partners. Canada and the Philippines also launched exploratory discussions for a potential bilateral FTA that would build on the ACAFTA once in force, allowing for higher standards and the further elimination of tariffs and barriers to trade between Canada and the Philippines. World Food Expo (WOFEX) is the largest agri-food and beverages trade show in the Philippines. The four-day tradeshow attracts 51,000 visitors, including key agri-food stakeholders such as suppliers, importers, traders, distributors, retailers, food service operators, and the general public. In total there were 59 Canadian delegates from 33 companies, industry associations and provinces exhibiting this year at the expo. Additional Links Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Cereals Canada Soy Canada Protein Industries Canada Canada Beef Pulse Canada Canadian Pork Council Canadian Cattle Association ASEAN-Canada Free-Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Canada Brand Follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn Web: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Contacts: For media: Annie Cullinan, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, [email protected]; Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972, [email protected]