By Greg Meakin
February 2022
To my fellow Canadians who live in Alberta:
Alberta becoming the 51st U.S. state? Is that even possible? No way! Really?
Having been raised in turbulent Quebec in the ‘60s and 70s, and living in the states since, I feel a unique perspective when reflecting on my Old Canada, and the New Canada today.
And what I see is not a pretty picture. Irreconcilable differences abound, and linger every day.
This conversation will have its day with big speeches on big podiums, and long, involved news articles leaning one way or the other. Most people I know, however, would prefer a candid, no bs chat at the kitchen table. Or perhaps around a campfire.
Oddly, after decades growing up in Montreal, I only got to know Western Canada, and Western Canadians, in my later years living in the states!
Back East back then, nobody cared about what was going on Out West. Hockey games started so late at night, we didn’t even consider them hockey games. The Hockey Night in Canada scoreboard never had scores for the western teams, for obvious time-change reasons. “Late” or “11 pm” or “Whatever” was the score of those late games.
New-Age teams with names like Canucks, Oilers and Flames would generate barely an eye roll from “savvy” Original Six east coasters like me. (Until that kid named Gretzky rocked the entire hockey planet, bien sur).
It’s not that we disrespected Canadians out west – we just didn’t care. They were a bunch of cowboys who liked big rodeos. I look back now and realize nothing has changed. The blatant disrespect, or simple disregard, seems to be more entrenched than ever. Even newbies on the block, like that Justin Trudeau kid, said as much publicly!
Alberta? Whatever.
However, those self-anointed east coast liberals who pull the strings for all of Canada will be in for a rude awakening. If I am reading the political tea leaves correctly, the province of Alberta will shake the very core of comfort-zone, uber-polite Canada.
Alberta is quietly moving to become the 51st U.S. state. Write it down. Also, understand that this is not a whim, and boasts a comprehensive checklist of logical reasons that now screams…
GO FOR IT!
Sure, there have been grumblings of provincial “independence” from Canada, mainly in La Belle Province of Quebec. Very loud grumblings, and tangible examples like past referendums.
There have been noble western independence movements such as WEXIT, who envisioned a friendly yet independent relationship with Ottawa. A bit murky to the simplistic American guy in me, that’s for sure.
As with the Canadian culture as a whole, most visions and proposals of provincial independence have largely been a polite conversation. Even Quebec’s “Sovereignty-Association” separation movement (that I actually voted against with a loud NON!) included the polite word, “association”. A friendly marriage separation, and staying in touch.
But today, I believe, is a different ball game. I believe Canada has gone from an east-west marriage spat…to an abusive, black-eye divorce, complete with an eternal restraining order. It’s a whole new world. And whether people (especially back east) realize it or not, or even care…
Alberta is pissed off. Really pissed off.
And why shouldn’t they be? They pay for everything and get nothing!
Much of eastern Canada, especially separatist elements of Quebec, remind me of a whiny spoiled teenager wanting independence from the household – and dissing the poor parents who have to pay for everything!
Problem for eastern Canada? Albertans have been listening the whole time you have been dissing them. They know you want them just for their Equalization!
The term “Timing is Everything” has never been more relevant when considering Alberta could actually pull the trigger and yes, become the 51st state of the United States of America.
And sooner than you think.
Back to the kitchen table/campfire chat, I will plainly list what Alberta 51 would mean to the average Albertan…like you:
Another GregsList…
1. Don’t worry it can’t be done
It can. The groundwork is already built-in to the constitutional workings in both Canada and the US. It can be done if the majority of Albertans vote to make it happen. A Referendum is the ticket.
2. Don’t worry about being landlocked
With an open US border to Alberta, the new state would be a gushing, instant world-access phenomenon.
3. Don’t worry about breaking up Canada
You are already broken up. East vs. West in 2022 is a donnybrook as never seen before in Confederation. A brutal divide of economies, politics, and culture. Canada is already divorced.
4. Don’t worry about losing your Canadian roots or culture
The United States, thanks to its unique republic model, welcomes you to maintain your individuality. Stay as Canadian as you want! Matter of fact, Alberta would be able to celebrate more of her culture and uniqueness in a free America, than currently “allowed” by Papa Ottawa.
5. Don’t worry about your oil
It would be ALL YOURS for a change. You make your own State Constitution, elect your own leadership, and declare independent ownership of your own oil. In Alaska they have this “ownership” declaration, and literally pay annual royalties to Alaska CITIZENS! Alberta would gush more than ever with Oil, Black Gold, Texas Tea. And it would be all yours – with a built-in buyer forever, The United States.
6. Don’t worry about high prices ever again
Prices of gas, energy, consumer goods, and everything else would plummet in Alberta. Also, SELECTION would skyrocket with familial access to the US supply chain.
7. Don’t worry about American violence and crime
You could establish yourself as a “safe state” with world-class law enforcement and 2nd Amendment protections for citizens. States like South Dakota and many others are very safe.
8. Don’t worry about being politically disregarded
Picture it. Alberta would be a U.S. state, with two senators in Washington DC (just like all 50 states) – with equal say in national and international matters. EQUAL!
9. Don’t worry about enforcing your independence from Canada
It’s hard to picture for most, but Alberta will finally call its own shots. From Day One, all American resources are now Alberta’s – including legal and political protection, US military and law enforcement, intelligence and border protection, and others.
10. Don’t worry. Be happy
This is the simplest idea, but perhaps the most challenging for patriotic, sentimental Canadians when it comes time to actually pull the voting lever. It’s scary stuff. Canadians worry, or learn to not care. Canadians apologize too much, and yes, fear big change. The biggest obstacle to happiness is usually worry, or fear. The minute Albertans lose the worry, the fear, the politeness – and choose their OWN good; their own happiness – is the moment Alberta will feel the joy of freedom. The inner peace that can happen when one has righted their own listing ship; when one has overcome oppression to see the light of freedom and happiness.
I have lived in America since 1983, and I LOVE my freedom. It is so cool to love your country every day, which I do. And you can too.
Enjoy your new found freedom. Enjoy your U.S dollar and half-price gas. Enjoy being part of the largest world-producer of oil and energy ever known to man. Enjoy being #1 in the world in everything! Enjoy being Number Two to nobody – including the now-irrelevant Ontario and Quebec.
Enjoy being a born Canadian with full American Citizenship. What a priceless, timeless gift.
It can be done. It needs to be done.
And yes, Alberta, you deserve it.
—------------------------------------------
Greg Meakin is a dual-citizen born in Portsmouth NH, and raised in Montreal. He wrote his first political article in 1978, covering Pierre Elliot Trudeau. He spent most of his adult life in the Seattle area, and is now writing and publishing full-time in Arizona City AZ. He recently published his third book, WHY I CAME TO AMERICA..and what I think now. The book (15.00 US with free shipping) is only available through his website; gregmeakin.com. He can also be reached by email; gregmeakin2020@gmail.com