Fact Check: Can an independent Alberta establish new trade deals?
An independent Alberta would likely establish a multitude of trade deals given its resources, logistics, and bargaining power.
In an article published in the Peterborough Examiner, Gitane De Silva points out how an independent Alberta, “would not automatically be a member of all the trade agreements to which Canada is a party.” This is true, but so what?
Are we to believe that Canada has been masterful in establishing stable trading relationships internationally to date? Has Ms. De Silva noticed the trade impasse currently happening with Canada’s largest trading partner?
Canada’s record with trade agreements has been less-than-stellar, and the prime minister’s overtures to the EU don’t make Alberta’s finances look any rosier.
On the domestic front, Canada hasn’t even mastered free trade between the provinces. Perhaps an independent Alberta could negotiate a better deal with the remainder of Canada than it already has under the restrictions of the federation.
International law does not hand a seceding province Canada’s treaty list on day one. It also does not freeze commerce. Successor states use continuity arrangements, devolution agreements, WTO accession or succession tracks, and bilateral deals. Precedents have been well established as Eastern European nations formed with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Trade agreements can be reached in quick time. Particularly when a nation has abundant natural resources as Alberta does.
Federalists are trying to make a case that trade deals are nearly impossible to achieve and are set in stone once signed. In reality, they are simply contracts which are signed every day between hundreds of countries around the world. The templates exist and Alberta will use them.
Trade follows demand, logistics, and bargaining power. Alberta has all of these.
Oil and gas demand around the world has only been rising and nations are hungry for Alberta’s products. Purchasing nations won’t care about Ottawa having been shunned and will happily sign deals directly with Alberta. Why wouldn’t they?
B.C. needs Eastern market access as much as Alberta needs coastal access. Mutual interest assures a deal will be made.
As for bargaining power, it certainly would be tough to have less of that internationally than Canada has been exercising.
Establishing new trade agreements isn't reinventing the wheel.
Cory Morgan
Cory Morgan is an Alberta-based columnist, political commentator, and longtime advocate for Western Canadian independence. He is the author of the recently updated book The Sovereigntist’s Handbook, a grassroots guide for independence supporters and political activists.
http://sovereigntistshandbook.com/
