Alberta secession is no longer just a rural movement
Fildebrandt assesses Alberta's independence probability at one in three, with Saskatchewan likely to follow.
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Tonight, on The Ezra Levant Show, a discussion about Alberta independence with Derek Fildebrandt from the Western Standard.
Ezra, originally from Alberta but living in Toronto, acknowledges the Western Standard as a key voice for Albertans. Fildebrandt explains their revival as an online publication in 2019 to address the gap in independent Western media, now with offices across Western Canada and beyond.
Ezra then criticizes Andrew Coyne's column in the Globe and Mail, which he sees as dismissing Albertan grievances, contrasting it with the deference shown to Quebec. He anticipates increasing demonization of Alberta.
Alberta just opened the door to separation—and we’re done getting screwed
— Rebel News (@RebelNewsOnline) May 1, 2025
Let me (@SheilaGunnReid) be clear: This isn’t a meme. It’s not wishful thinking. This is a legal path to independence. And it just became achievable.
Mark Carney is Prime Minister.
Ontario, Quebec, and… pic.twitter.com/9bZVyMX7pv
Fildebrandt notes the patronizing tone of Eastern media explaining the West to itself and dismissing the right to leave, referencing historical examples of nations breaking apart. He distinguishes between using independence as leverage and a genuine desire for it.
The discussion covers the practicalities of Alberta independence, suggesting daily life wouldn't drastically change immediately, but Alberta would be richer and control its policies.
Ezra questions if Alberta and Saskatchewan are in a revolutionary period, suggesting recognition post-independence would define it. Fildebrandt highlights the desire for decentralization from Ottawa and "repatriation" of the constitution.
WATCH: Alberta's road to separation: Lawyer @ikwilson joins @EzraLevant and @SheilaGunnReid to discuss Alberta independence amid tonight's election results. pic.twitter.com/K679chV4tw
— Rebel News (@RebelNewsOnline) April 29, 2025
The conversation shifts to the Clarity Act and the challenges of negotiating departure with Ottawa and other provinces, fearing "poison pills." Fildebrandt emphasizes the importance of international recognition, particularly from the U.S., for immediate independence.
The publisher observes a major shift: senior business leaders privately back independence, moving it beyond a rural issue. This is expected to boost the movement's credibility and funding. Concerns exist regarding potential interference in a referendum by foreign entities, including Ottawa.
Finally, Ezra brings up the Charlottetown Accord as examples where establishment consensus was overturned by popular vote.
Fildebrandt assesses Alberta's independence probability at one in three, a notable rise. He predicts a Manning-esque leader will arise from financially invested independence supporters, with Saskatchewan likely following, but B.C. unlikely to join initially.
COMMENTS
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Jane Branchflower commented 2025-05-15 15:00:34 -0400Susan A. I live in southern Ontario and I completely agree with you. -
Colin Cramton commented 2025-05-15 13:24:26 -0400I’d love to see Jason Stephan take a leadership role in Alberta independence.
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Lance Humphries commented 2025-05-14 23:07:20 -0400I find Derek’s comments about the negotiations, and the east “not allowing” the west to leave very distressing. Fortune favours the bold. Within 60 days there should no more Fed taxes off ppl’s paycheques. Border guards at every access point into the province. A new Alberta Criminal Code (a modified Canadian Criminal Code) etc etc !!
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Bernhard Jatzeck commented 2025-05-14 22:06:52 -0400If it has urban support, it won’t be in my riding of Edmonton Strathcona. There are enough Dipper supporters here to make sure that any move for succession won’t be unanimous.
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Bruce Atchison commented 2025-05-14 20:47:49 -0400What can Ottawa give us that we can’t create ourselves? With all the transfer payment money, we can set up our own police force. Without Ottawa’s heavy hand on us, we can trade with other nations of the world. We can get our share of the Canada Pension Plan as well.
Being our own country means we can use our roads as leverage against Ottawa’s tyranny by closing them. We won’t be leaving those “eastern bastards” to freeze in the dark like Ralph Klein said but we sure will be able to get a much fairer deal for ALL citizens here. -
Susan Ashbrook commented 2025-05-14 20:44:26 -0400Great interview with Derek, Ezra! I’m in Ontario and while I don’t want Alberta to separate, I totally understand that they get a truly raw deal from the east. I would really like to see more of an effort to make them, and the rest of the west, become equal partners in Canada.
