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Alberta Voices-Dion Brar: Canada isn't Canada without Alberta I was born and raised in Calgary. I love Alberta. I am proud to call this province home. I am equally proud to call myself Canadian. That is why I find the growing conversation around Alberta separation so deeply troubling. Like many Albertans, I understand the frustrations. Too often, it feels like Ottawa doesn’t fully understand the realities of our province. Many of us believe Alberta contributes enormously to Canada’s prosperity while not always receiving the representation or consideration we deserve in return. Those concerns are legitimate. But separation is not. The answer to imperfect representation is better representation — not abandoning the country altogether. Canada has endured disagreements between provinces, constitutional debates, economic downturns, regional frustrations, and changing governments for more than 150 years. Our strength has never come from everyone agreeing. It has come from finding ways to move forward together despite our differences. The practical consequences of separation are staggering. Questions surrounding trade, pensions, currency, citizenship, Indigenous treaty obligations, national defence, federal assets and liabilities, border security, and investment uncertainty would affect every Albertan – not just politicians. Even the uncertainty surrounding a serious separation movement could discourage investment, delay business expansion, and make families think twice about major financial decisions. What disappoints me most is that this conversation is being entertained at all. Leadership should unite people around shared purpose, even while fiercely defending provincial interests. A premier should be Alberta’s strongest advocate within Canada — not someone who gives the impression that our future is better outside of it. I want an Alberta government that stands up to Ottawa when necessary. I want stronger representation. I want federal governments of every political stripe to treat Alberta fairly and respectfully. But I also want leaders who recognize that advocating for Alberta and believing in Canada are not opposing ideas. They are complementary responsibilities. Alberta isn’t Canada by itself. Canada isn’t Canada without Alberta. Our province has helped build this country through its people, industries, innovation, and resilience. Likewise, Canada has provided Albertans with economic opportunity, security, mobility, and a place on the world stage that few nations can match. The solution isn’t to dismantle one of the world’s strongest democracies because we disagree with the government of the day. Governments change. Policies change. Countries endure. I believe Alberta’s future is brightest when we lead Canada — not when we leave it. Alberta Voices is a Calgary Herald/Edmonton Journal project that amplifies Albertans’ thoughts on separation-related issues. Send your opinion, to be considered for publication, to feedback@calgaryherald.com with the subject line Alberta Voices.

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