“Western Independence”

VAUXHALL, Alberta—In much of Canada, President Trump’s provocations like making the country a 51st state are deeply unpopular. In this conservative, oil-rich province, Trump presents an opportunity.

Alberta is poised to hold a referendum on seceding from Canada later this year, and supporters of independence credit Trump’s disruptive energy for adding fuel to their movement. Alberta secessionists view Trump as a powerful ally in their quest to rattle Canada’s liberal politics and supercharge oil production—and no obstacle to their independence, even if statehood is unlikely.

Albertan independence is a remote but chilling prospect for Canada. The western province is a resources powerhouse that holds most of Canada’s crude oil. Only Saudi Arabia and Venezuela have bigger reserves of crude.

First of all, let’s put the latest Angus Reid Institute survey on Alberta independence into perspective.

When the pollsters found just 29 per cent of Albertans support separation, the response by a lot of commentators was, “See, we told you Albertans don’t want to leave.”

But keep in mind that 29 per cent support from Albertans for leaving Confederation is exactly the same amount (29 per cent) as a poll earlier this month found in Quebec.

Seventy-one per cent of Canadians agree with B.C. Premier David Eby’s recent statement that “to go to a foreign country and to ask for assistance in breaking up Canada, there’s an old-fashioned word for that, and that word is treason,” according to a new poll from Canada Pulse Insights.

The prospect of Alberta leaving Canada is such a hot topic that the other potential “leavers” have been overlooked.

These are folks who would flee the province if independence goes forward in a serious way.

Probably ex-Torontonians who would prefer living in China’s 24th province..

Amid ongoing debate about provincial sovereignty, most Albertans would vote to stay in Canada, according to a new survey from the Angus Reid Institute.

Fewer than three in 10 Albertans, 29 per cent, said they would vote for separation if a referendum were held today. Most of those respondents said they are leaning toward that position rather than firmly committed.

As if U.S. tariffs and annexation threats weren’t enough, Albertan separatists are reportedly seeking a $500 billion loan from the United States to bankroll their independence movement. Former U.S. Congressional staffer Brandon Weichert, platformed by U.S. far-right provocateur Steve Bannon, has suggested that Alberta could become part of the United States. Make no mistake: this isn’t about what’s good for Albertans. As Weichert wrote, it’s because the United States would not “abide an independent, energy rich Alberta indefinitely at its border.” It’s ironic that, in the name of independence, the Alberta Prosperity Project (APP) seems willing to subordinate Alberta and its people to the whims of the United States.

The Days Inn in west Edmonton has a large Canadian flag hung behind the front desk. Throughout the lobby, a visitor can’t escape the signs declaring that the hotel is “proudly Canadian owned and operated,” with red maple leaves to match.

But, on Tuesday night, the conference rooms were filled with separatist supporters. One room was reserved to sign a Stay Free Alberta petition that calls for the province to hold a referendum on independence. In the neighbouring room, lawyer Jeffrey Rath, one of the loudest voices of the “leave” movement, spoke to about 100 supporters.