A pattern of policy fights with Ottawa, referendum threats, and separatist signalling raises a bigger question: what exactly is Alberta’s premier trying to build?
That concern isn’t unreasonable Patricia... foreign influence efforts happen in many countries. The good news is Canada has been tightening transparency rules and monitoring mechanisms over the past few years. Sunlight is usually the best defense.
Thank you Fred. I think dark money is still coming in as well as American influence, supporting Jeff Rath. He’s just a little too “seamy” to come by much of anything honestly. So I still worry.
This is a bit scary to me, because I have to live with DonOld for the foreseeable future, and I'm depending on Canada to let me feel as if there's still some level of sanity in the world. Hang in there for those of us who need you to be strong, Canada!
I understand that feeling more than you might think.
One thing to remember is that countries are bigger than any one political cycle or leader.
Institutions, trade relationships, and economic realities tend to pull things back toward stability over time... even when things feel chaotic in the moment.
Canada isn’t perfect (no country is), but the underlying direction here is still rooted in cooperation, rule of law, and long-term economic planning.
That doesn’t disappear overnight.
And honestly, there are millions of Americans who value those same things too... you’re not alone, even if the loudest voices sometimes make it feel that way.
Hang in there. Political weather changes faster than people expect.
Doesn’t Alberta have an indigenous treaty? Maybe I’m wrong because I don’t know all the particulars. Fred perhaps you can help with that question. Another of my questions is, one that I think is important, what currency will Alberta use? There is a lot of issues to hammer out if separation occurs. That is a question I haven’t heard taken into consideration. Maybe it has but I just haven’t heard it.
Yes... Alberta is covered by several Indigenous treaties (mainly Treaties 6, 7, and 8). Those agreements are with the Crown (Canada), not the province, so separation wouldn’t make them disappear.
They’d create major legal and constitutional issues that would have to be negotiated with both Indigenous nations and Canada.
Currency is another big unknown.
An independent Alberta would realistically have three options: keep using the Canadian dollar unofficially, create its own currency, or try to peg to another currency.
All of those come with serious economic complications around trade, banking, pensions, and investment stability.
You’re right... there’s a lot more to figure out than people often talk about.
I haven't cared for DS since she first came on the scene with the Wild Rose Party. She is pandering to Trump and speaking about all these policy changes which no one likes! Eg: Our pensions, the police force, using the Not Withstanding Clause etc!! An election needs to be called immediately!
I understand the frustration Sandi. Ultimately, elections happen on a schedule unless a government loses confidence. In the meantime, public pressure, media scrutiny, and polling usually shape how far any policy idea actually goes.
I don't understand. What does causing friction accomplish? Is this some ploy conceived by US oligarchs to destabilize Canada?
That’s a fair question David.
Friction in geopolitics usually isn’t random... it creates leverage.
When a larger power creates economic or political pressure on a smaller partner, a few things can happen...
• The smaller country makes concessions
• Investment shifts toward the larger country
• Domestic politics inside the smaller country become unstable
• Leaders get forced into reactive decisions instead of strategic ones
Whether this is intentional strategy or just chaotic policy depends on who you ask.
Some analysts see it as negotiation pressure. Others see it as ideological or political theatre with unintended consequences.
What matters most for Canada is the response.
Countries that stay calm, diversify alliances, and strengthen internal resilience tend to come out stronger long-term.
That’s the part I’m watching.
Hi Fred - good stuff as always. Thankful we have Carney. MY biggest concern is dark money coming up from the states.
That concern isn’t unreasonable Patricia... foreign influence efforts happen in many countries. The good news is Canada has been tightening transparency rules and monitoring mechanisms over the past few years. Sunlight is usually the best defense.
Thank you Fred. I think dark money is still coming in as well as American influence, supporting Jeff Rath. He’s just a little too “seamy” to come by much of anything honestly. So I still worry.
This is a bit scary to me, because I have to live with DonOld for the foreseeable future, and I'm depending on Canada to let me feel as if there's still some level of sanity in the world. Hang in there for those of us who need you to be strong, Canada!
I understand that feeling more than you might think.
One thing to remember is that countries are bigger than any one political cycle or leader.
Institutions, trade relationships, and economic realities tend to pull things back toward stability over time... even when things feel chaotic in the moment.
Canada isn’t perfect (no country is), but the underlying direction here is still rooted in cooperation, rule of law, and long-term economic planning.
That doesn’t disappear overnight.
And honestly, there are millions of Americans who value those same things too... you’re not alone, even if the loudest voices sometimes make it feel that way.
Hang in there. Political weather changes faster than people expect.
OMG! Sounds exactly what’s happening down south. Divide and conquer.
Gon-Old Trump needs to retire!
Or leave feet first Vinny?
Naturally of course. 👍
Doesn’t Alberta have an indigenous treaty? Maybe I’m wrong because I don’t know all the particulars. Fred perhaps you can help with that question. Another of my questions is, one that I think is important, what currency will Alberta use? There is a lot of issues to hammer out if separation occurs. That is a question I haven’t heard taken into consideration. Maybe it has but I just haven’t heard it.
Good questions, Tracy.
Yes... Alberta is covered by several Indigenous treaties (mainly Treaties 6, 7, and 8). Those agreements are with the Crown (Canada), not the province, so separation wouldn’t make them disappear.
They’d create major legal and constitutional issues that would have to be negotiated with both Indigenous nations and Canada.
Currency is another big unknown.
An independent Alberta would realistically have three options: keep using the Canadian dollar unofficially, create its own currency, or try to peg to another currency.
All of those come with serious economic complications around trade, banking, pensions, and investment stability.
You’re right... there’s a lot more to figure out than people often talk about.
It seems to me that Danielle Smith doesn’t just have a tiger by the tail but she is actually trying to pull it off. Huge mistake.
I haven't cared for DS since she first came on the scene with the Wild Rose Party. She is pandering to Trump and speaking about all these policy changes which no one likes! Eg: Our pensions, the police force, using the Not Withstanding Clause etc!! An election needs to be called immediately!
I understand the frustration Sandi. Ultimately, elections happen on a schedule unless a government loses confidence. In the meantime, public pressure, media scrutiny, and polling usually shape how far any policy idea actually goes.