Alberta Voices: With one week to go, readers weigh in on separatism

Alberta Voices is an Edmonton Journal/Calgary Herald project that amplifies Albertans’ thoughts on separation-related issues. 

 Spruce Meadows has been identified as an advance polling station for the upcoming referendum. This is a polling station that is not accessible by public transportation and is a 30 to 60 minute walk from the nearest transit stop. How does designating a polling station that is really only available for individuals who have cars support a free and equal voting process? 

I am not sure how Elections Alberta chose this as a good location.

With the importance of this referendum for every Albertan, perhaps this needs to change, or public transportation be made available for those who require it. What were they thinking?

Mary MacLean, Calgary

The referendum on separation is so important to Albertans that there should only be one question. Question #10 should be the only one on the ballot.

I keep wondering if the UCP’s reason for including the additional nine questions is to confuse voters.

Also, many separatists are not aware of the help this province received from Ottawa. From 1905 until 1965, Alberta received more in federal transfers from Ottawa, relying heavily on federal agricultural support before the discovery of major oil
reserves. In 1967, the Alberta Oil Sands began production. They were unprofitable, resulting in the Suncor plant being heavily subsidized by Ottawa for many years.

People forget that Canada was here for Alberta when we needed subsidies. I will vote to remain in Canada.

Raymond Haimila, Canmore

As a dual citizen originally from the Prairies who has lived in the U.S. for much of my life, I now really feel for you all in Alberta. The province has become like chickens in a hen house. Someone, a so-called “leader,” came up with this idea of separation and started clucking, which caused a lot more clucking. This led to a cacophony of clucking and resulted in a lot of conflict, division, hatred, confusion and chaos.

We have certainly experienced this in the U.S., and we have all seen the awful results. Good leadership brings people together and creates harmony.

I wish you well in getting through this foolhardy period of unnecessary chaos.

Gordon Czernick, Haiku, Maui, HI.

There is no way, in a civil society based on the rule of law, this referendum, which is mired in controversy, corruption, illegalities, possible foreign interference, dark money, and lack of legal clarity, should be permitted to take place until a thorough investigation can be concluded.