Well, that escalated quite quickly.
While the majority of the world is understandably on edge over the Middle East, it seems that at least one Canadian province has not forgotten about President Trump’s “51st state” suggestions.
That’s right: None other than Alberta – which is home to a huge swathe of oil reserves – is apparently quite interested in at least the possibility of joining the United States.
To the extent that even liberal media outlets have given the province a de facto voice.
“51st state? Bring it on, these Canadians say,” the Washington Post announced in a rather startling headline.
Even more startlingly, the article admitted that quite a few Canadians are “enthusiastic” about potentially joining the United States.
“Most Canadians strongly oppose Trump’s expansionist idea, but an enthusiastic minority backs him,” the Washington Post admitted.
You don’t say.
Must be a very enthusiastic minority for WaPo to be giving them the time of day, that’s for sure.
Quite frankly, such commentary is surprising when it comes from a Bezos-owned media outlet, but perhaps the sentiments in Alberta are so acute that even the most “progressive” media outlets have to take note.
Especially when the political representatives of the provinces in question have effectively brought the “51ststate” question to the forefront.
In a separate report from The Hill, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith already indicated a willingness for the province to vote on a potential referendum for seceding from Canada.
“The premier of Canada’s oil-rich province of Alberta said … she will hold a referendum on separation from Canada next year if a citizen-led petition reaches the required number of signatures,” The Hill detailed.
And while Smith does not “personally” support secession, she is acknowledging that quite a few residents within Alberta feel a tad … disengaged.
“We don’t ask for special treatment or handouts. We just want to be free to develop and export that incredible wealth of resources we have. Freedom to choose how we provide health care, education and other needed social services to our people, even if it’s done differently than what Ottawa has in mind,” Smith asserted.
In other words, the citizens of Alberta are feeling somewhat similar to citizens of America.
“Should Ottawa, for whatever reason, continue to attack our province as they have done over the last decade, ultimately that will be for Albertans to decide. I will accept their judgement,” Smith added.
Translation: Smith will not openly advocate for secession, but she will not stand in its path either.
Outside the Washington Post, other media reports have indicated Smith’s potential interest in joining the United States, especially given the cozy trade relationship shared between both entities via oil.
“Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said her province wants to support President Donald Trump’s energy agenda and help the U.S. win the AI race with China,” NBC reported.
As much as Canada has succeeded in portraying an image of relative pacifism, it would appear that secessionist sentiment has long been brewing within the provinces of the United States’s neighbor to the north.
That tension came to a head with the 1995 Quebec referendum, as many native French speakers in the Quebec province desired autonomy.
However, at this point in time, Canada remains united … for now.
John Soroski, a political scientist at MacEwan University in Edmonton, seems to think that the rising ruckus from Alberta is a cause for concern, though not indicative of imminent secession.
“These grievances are serious,” Soroski mused, before adding that a supposed secession would be “highly unlikely.”
“I don’t see Smith wants separation, but I think it’s very useful for the province to have in its back pocket the idea that there’s this large number of discontented Albertans,” Soroski insisted.
Is that so?
Because the Washington Post seems to think otherwise …
Author: Jane Jones
