RE: Independence could be a path forward for Alberta
I read Mr. Kivell's letter ("Independence could be a path forward for Alberta," Feb. 24 Gazette) about Alberta independence and would like to offer up my own view of an independent Alberta. Mr. Kivell writes:
"But if Alberta leaves Canada, it will be landlocked no more. An independent Alberta would cut British Columbia off from the markets east of Alberta on which it and those markets depend – the port of Vancouver is as large as Canada’s five next-largest ports combined."
Really? Most of the things coming through B.C. ports isn't destined for B.C., but rather Alberta and the rest of Canada. Cutting off B.C. wouldn't be the brightest move. Some would reroute through the U.S.; others could retaliate by stopping shipments to Alberta altogether, while continuing to serve the rest of Canada. And cutting off Alberta HAS been quietly discussed. It would be up to the Alberta Govt. to decide if the risk to jobs and economy would be worth it. What about federal infrasructure? That would be Alberta's responsibility. Transportation companies in general are under no obligation to operate in an independent Alberta. Canada and the U.S. are under no obligation to allow Alberta companies to operate outside Alberta either. Don't even think of "turning off the taps". Oil and gas companies would all but revolt if that were to happen. The list of things that would need to be (re)negotiated is truly massive.
In the end, a sovereign Alberta would likely end up far worse off in every way. The cons vastly outweigh the pros. Despite political differences, the province functions just fine as a part of Canada.
Gordon Anderson, Kamloops, B.C.
