Alberta Provincial Politics

[Surrealplaces]

Call me crazy, but I legitimately worry about US or other foreign interference with a referendum. I fear having a referendum that magically ends up in favor of separation. It still wouldn't cause an immediate separation, but it would cause quite the gong show.

 

[O-tac]

I don’t fear them getting enough votes as much as Trump declaring it rigged and ‘rescuing us’ a la Putin in Ukraine. But a lot of things can happen between now and a vote. Trump might not even be around when and if it happens.

I’m so happy a political leader finally called this movement out for what it is: treason! Good on Eby! And Smith followed up by defending them. She is a threat to all of Canada.

 

[darwink]

It still wouldn't cause an immediate separation

Depends what you mean by immediate. Holding fantasies of an ordered and bound by the rule of law process is dangerous imo. All bets are off if a vote is above 50%. History moves fast and cares little for details.

 

[DougB]

Separation seems more of a CBC diversion than reality. How many people in AB actually take it seriously? Smith is rolling the dice that the petition won't pass the hurdle, David Cameron thought the same of Brexit, so it is a high risk gamble. None of the recall petitions seem likley to succeed, so I can't see this one doing so either.

The crazies moved from antivax to separation and will have to move onto something else. It is unfortunate that these people are the most motivated segment of the UPC base. Smith is attempting to disarm them by letting them fail on their own. Shutting them down would likley trigger a leadership review and a really unappealing leader, which would lead to the worst possible outcome of an NDP government. As bad as the separation crowd can be, they are far less a threat to the growrh and prosperity of the province being driven by ATA, UNA and AUPE.

 

[CalgaryTiger]

As bad as the separation crowd can be, they are far less a threat to the growth and prosperity of the province being driven by ATA, UNA and AUPE.

You are on the beach with this take lol. Mostly because you should know how powerless those unions actually are. So to say they're a threat to growth and prosperity is just rage baiting.

 

[lemongrab]

Labour is the true enemy. If people make a good wage then they'll spend most of that money in Alberta which obviously won't be good for anybody.

 

[UrbanWarrior]

I am not entirely convinced Nenshi will be seen as a positive to Calgary voters.

He won 3 elections with a minimum of 53% of the vote despite having no less than 11 opponents, no?

 

[UrbanWarrior]

Not stoked to hear the separatist shitheads are meeting with Trump shitheads, what a crazy and nerve wracking time we live in. Maybe a move to BC is in my future...

I’m moving back to Ontario this summer, 14 years here has been enough. I love Calgary, but I need to live somewhere where I can have dating opportunities as a gay man and just feel free. This separatist shit certainly hasn’t helped my desire to leave, for the same reasons (being a minority being targeted by the American fascists).

With that in mind, how are we all feeling about the known fact that has come to light of the Project 2025 fckstains being behind the separation agenda? I mean to me, it’s pretty clear that it’s just a smokescreen prelude to invasion. The referendum will of course fail, Trump will say it was rigged, and they’ll invade Alberta to “save us from the evil socialists”. I know it’s technically a conspiracy theory, but it’s a more likely outcome than anything else I can realistically imagine during these insane times…

 

[O-tac]

Separation seems more of a CBC diversion than reality. How many people in AB actually take it seriously? Smith is rolling the dice that the petition won't pass the hurdle, David Cameron thought the same of Brexit, so it is a high risk gamble. None of the recall petitions seem likley to succeed, so I can't see this one doing so either.

The crazies moved from antivax to separation and will have to move onto something else. It is unfortunate that these people are the most motivated segment of the UPC base. Smith is attempting to disarm them by letting them fail on their own. Shutting them down would likley trigger a leadership review and a really unappealing leader, which would lead to the worst possible outcome of an NDP government. As bad as the separation crowd can be, they are far less a threat to the growrh and prosperity of the province being driven by ATA, UNA and AUPE.

The UcP and their separatist base are the only thing threatening Alberta’s prosperity. Tell me, who built the only pipeline to tidewater again?

 

[O-tac]

I’m moving back to Ontario this summer, 14 years here has been enough. I love Calgary, but I need to live somewhere where I can have dating opportunities as a gay man and just feel free. This separatist shit certainly hasn’t helped my desire to leave, for the same reasons (being a minority being targeted by the American fascists).

With that in mind, how are we all feeling about the known fact that has come to light of the Project 2025 fckstains being behind the separation agenda? I mean to me, it’s pretty clear that it’s just a smokescreen prelude to invasion. The referendum will of course fail, Trump will say it was rigged, and they’ll invade Alberta to “save us from the evil socialists”. I know it’s technically a conspiracy theory, but it’s a more likely outcome than anything else I can realistically imagine during these insane times…

Sorry to hear that Chad. Your love for this city all these years has been contagious and your photos and updates much appreciated.

I share your fear of the same scenario, but it’s only one possibility. Trump could keel over between now and a potential referendum.

 

[Surrealplaces]

I’m moving back to Ontario this summer, 14 years here has been enough. I love Calgary, but I need to live somewhere where I can have dating opportunities as a gay man and just feel free. This separatist shit certainly hasn’t helped my desire to leave, for the same reasons (being a minority being targeted by the American fascists).

With that in mind, how are we all feeling about the known fact that has come to light of the Project 2025 fckstains being behind the separation agenda? I mean to me, it’s pretty clear that it’s just a smokescreen prelude to invasion. The referendum will of course fail, Trump will say it was rigged, and they’ll invade Alberta to “save us from the evil socialists”. I know it’s technically a conspiracy theory, but it’s a more likely outcome than anything else I can realistically imagine during these insane times…

Also sorry to hear that Chad, I've enjoyed your input over the years. I'm with O-Tac on the Trump scenario. I'm hoping he keels over soon, but either way, I think he will be gone from office one way or another.

Part of me hopes for an Alberta referendum so they can lose by a roughly 75-25% margin, and then be told to shut up whenever they bring it up.

 

[kiwi33]

How likely is it to have an election called for 2026?

 

[CalgaryTiger]

How likely is it to have an election called for 2026?

50/50 IMO. They'll need a reason to go before the scheduled date; a referendum could be a reason.

 

[lemongrab]

How likely is it to have an election called for 2026?

Last fall it may have made some sense as there were a number of things they could get in front of: teacher strike, Corruptcare reports, Forever Canadian petition concluding, new electoral boundary maps, Alberta Party/Tory party relaunch, try to catch NDP off guard, etc.

At this point I can't see many reasons why they would pull the trigger (but what the hell do I know!). I think they'll stay at the trough every moment they can and hope the Carney honeymoon period ends and they can lean more heavily into the grievance game.

 

[Mountain Man]

I’m moving back to Ontario this summer, 14 years here has been enough. I love Calgary, but I need to live somewhere where I can have dating opportunities as a gay man and just feel free. This separatist shit certainly hasn’t helped my desire to leave, for the same reasons (being a minority being targeted by the American fascists).

With that in mind, how are we all feeling about the known fact that has come to light of the Project 2025 fckstains being behind the separation agenda? I mean to me, it’s pretty clear that it’s just a smokescreen prelude to invasion. The referendum will of course fail, Trump will say it was rigged, and they’ll invade Alberta to “save us from the evil socialists”. I know it’s technically a conspiracy theory, but it’s a more likely outcome than anything else I can realistically imagine during these insane times…

I'm sorry to hear that Chad. Wish you all the best back in Ontario.

Now my opinion is Alberta isn't going to separate, the US isn't going to invade and this is all just a phase. I've been inspired by how many people have come out against separation, many people here are Canadian first and Albertan second and no amount of populist chest thumping is going to change that. Same with the US, things are spiraling there, but the protests in Minnesota an other parts where he fascist Trumpism is playing out are heartening and regular people just aren't going to stand for it. Trump base is getting smaller (and likely more radical) but things are starting to turn. Videos of Trump shitting himself will only contribute to that, this is all smoke and mirrors by him and the project 2025 people, Americans are starting to see him for what he is. There's a lot more damage coming our way, but there's a hint of light at the end of the tunnel now.