Editorial: A province and country worth fighting for

The question weighs heavy for many Albertans today.

Is our province’s future better served as part of Canada, or apart from Canada?

Most in Alberta would agree that changes are needed when it comes to addressing some federal policies and practices that hamper provincial success and economic growth. Many, however, also believe the best road to a strong Alberta is one that still connects this province to Canada from coast to coast to coast.

Monday is “Referendum Election Day,” as Elections Alberta calls it — a day when thousands of Albertans will vote on a number of questions, including whether they think Alberta should remain a province of Canada. Hundreds of thousands have already cast their votes through advance polls and mail-in ballots, while many more will head to polling stations on Monday.

Whether they’ve voted or are about to vote, it’s evident the question has led to much debate and discussion for Albertans as they consider their place within Canada.

It was 1905 when Alberta became part of Canada, its people joining Confederation with grit, gusto and aspirations for the future as vast as the wide prairie sky.

In the 121 years since that day, Alberta has become an agricultural, transportation, financial and energy powerhouse, a magnet for newcomers and investment from across the country and around the world.

The province’s population has grown from an estimated 200,000 in 1905 to well over five million today.

Alberta has been blessed with ingenuity, ambition and valuable natural resources. We have shared our wealth, from the highest per-capita income in Canada, with our provincial neighbours and the federal treasury.

Individual Albertans have filled valuable roles in the national narrative, from prime ministers to astronauts.

However, we achieved such success as a partner in Confederation. From the Canadian Pacific Railway line to the Trans Mountain pipeline, Alberta has been woven into the national fabric.

But it’s not just transportation links and infrastructure that connect us. There’s the RCMP, Canadian Armed Forces, the CFL, the Canada Pension Plan and national parks.

At the same time, Canada has become one of the most envied countries in the world — a G7, NATO and Norad member often cited as among the most livable places on earth.

We’ve been one of the most inclusive nations and provinces, offering haven for refugees and welcoming visitors while hosting the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, the Calgary Stampede and Canadian Finals Rodeo.

We’ve begun the truth and reconciliation movement with our Indigenous Peoples, who are playing key roles in Canada’s future.

Alberta and Canada are intertwined with similar values, passions and patriotism.

We have fought and died together in two world wars, the Korean War and other conflicts — and now we fight an incomprehensible trade war with our biggest trading partner.

Of course, there have been the inevitable divisive, frustrating and costly disputes over the years.

Even in 1905, the new provinces bristled at the initial exclusion of resource rights in their membership to Canada. Later, the Alberta and federal governments jointly kick-started the development of the oilsands.

In the 1980s, the Pierre Trudeau government’s short-lived National Energy Program cost Alberta billions during yet another energy crisis.

More recently, the short-sighted and punitive policies of the Justin Trudeau government chilled investment. That same government, however, bought and expanded the Trans Mountain pipeline. In the past few years, oilsands companies have set records in production and profits.

Now, a subsequent federal government has gone a step further with agreements to build another pipeline and various megaprojects across the country.

The move reflects an acknowledgment of the ambition of Albertans.

Canada and Alberta are not perfect. We have many serious internal and external issues to address together — social and economic inequities, environmental questions, health care and, of course, trade threats from the United States.

However, we have found solutions before. To break the stalemate over the adoption of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, former Alberta premier Peter Lougheed played a central role in pushing for the notwithstanding clause as a legislative last resort.

We’ll find solutions again. Alberta has a key role to play in Canada, with much potential still untapped.

Now is not the time to pull our geologic jackpot winnings from the table and flee the federation, at great risk to what we’ve built so far. Rather, it’s a time to remember that with decency and determination, Alberta can continue to be a leader within Canada, sharing its perspectives and purpose whether looking north, west or east. It’s time to truly reflect on what’s best for Alberta, its people and its prosperity.

A vote to stay within the country most of us are proud to call home — come hell or high water — is our best option.

— Calgary Herald and Edmonton Journal