Letters, Sept. 21, 2026: ‘Separatism report focused on the negatives’

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Biased report

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Reading Rick Bell’s column in Thursday’s Sun (‘Win sum, lose sum’), I noticed how slanted the U of C report was with numbers, details, and calculations predicting the most dire doom and gloom scenarios if Alberta were to actually separate from Canada. It is accurate to state the statistics within the report were disturbing and meant to make one focus on the serious negative consequences of seceding from Canada. These may all become very real in time. However, what I found curious was the total lack of any mention on how much Alberta will save annually by not submitting equalization payments, tax dollars (personal, corporate, or business), as well as GST payments. etc. And then there is Alberta’s share of the CPP and the OAS to counter our share of the national debt. As for all physical assets belonging to the federal government, (military, Coast Guard, ports and airports, government buildings, and so much more), how much should Alberta be compensated for our share of these assets? After all, everything was bought with tax dollars. So let’s talk about the flow of finances going in either direction, as compared solely to only going one way. To be sure, the questions and the debates are going to be had, but let’s be as honest as possible by being able to include and consider everything without personal bias.

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KEN PELLAND

(The report made sure to consider both the possibility of a smooth transition and a difficult one)

Here’s a better idea…

It might be more productive if President Trump offers to give every adult Iranian $5,000 or even $2,500 if Iran stops enriching uranium and agrees to a democratic, secular constitution. Although such an offer would never be accepted by the Iranian regime, even if supported by a majority of Iranians, it would involve a much smaller payout and save a considerable amount in defence spending. As far as unrealistic, hypothetical offers go, it has many advantages.

BRUCE COUCHMAN, Toronto

(Not sure Trump is giving much thought to the expense)

Easy-peasy

There were no issues with the mail-in ballots. Ten ballots, straight-forward questions, answer yes or no. Remember your ID as requested, seal and mail. Instructions were very clear. I don’t see what all the fuss was about.

NOELLE BROWN

(Some people didn’t get all the questions, some ballots haven’t arrived)

Don’t take sides

If people are voting NDP because they assume they are the pro-Canada party while ignoring the other planks in the NDP platform, they are in for a rude awakening. The four years, 2015-2019, under Premier Notley will seem like a Sunday stroll compared to what Alberta will be like under Premier Nenshi. PM Carney will have a like-minded climate change zealot in the premier’s office, an authoritarian socialist, and a highly taxed and over-regulated economy. Put the emotions away, voters need to think with their heads and not their hearts. Premier Smith tried to play on both sides of the fence with regards to the referendum vote and it could have resulted in an NDP win. For someone who has the political acumen like Smith I am confused why she walked into that minefield. If I were advising Smith I would have told her to keep her mouth shut and don’t pick a side, don’t spend $4 million of taxpayer money on a Remain in Canada campaign, and anytime the question was raised I would have advised her to say the following: This is a decision to be made by Albertans and that is the end of my participation. As well, I thought Smith had strength, however in response to the taunts on social media and questions about her loyalty and fealty to Canada gave her weak knees.

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JEFFREY ANDERSON

(Smith waded in because people were picking a side for her)

No hostile act

U.S. President Trump is sounding more and more like Russia’s Putin. Trump recently stated that Canada becoming an associate member of the EU is a ‘hostile act.’ Why would this be a hostile act when like-minded, friendly democratic countries like Canada and Europe want to strengthen and maintain ties and trade with each other? Remember, Putin does not want the Ukraine to become a member of NATO.

R. MOSKAL, Winnipeg

(We don’t mind closer ties with Europe, so long as we don’t forget the U.S. is still our most vital trading partner)

Don’t forget about us

Why do Canadian media continue to define Canada as east of the Manitoba/Ontario border? We know why CBC does. But what about the others? Are they pandering to where the majority of voters are? Are they publishing for circulation? All the major projects seem to go that way too. While Manitoba and B.C. get some coverage, Saskatchewan and Alberta, well who are they?

GEORGE EWERT

(Depends on the outlet. Certainly, eastern media are going to play to their audience)

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Carney’s opponent

When Mark Carney runs for reelection in 2029, Trump will have been out of office for 4 months. I don’t think he can win without Trump. Who is he going run against?

PETER BARTON, Ajax, Ont.

(That’s a fair observation. But somehow the Liberals will still manage to make Trump their opponent)

Food for thought

Can you imagine the mess our country would be in today if all those Canadians didn’t vote for Carney and the Liberals again when he said vote for me I am the only one who can deal with Trump, and judge me on food prices? Oh wait, we are in that mess with tariff after tariff and food prices have increased by another 5%. Do the Liberals really care that millions of Canadians are in financial trouble and can’t put nutritious food on the table for their children? I don’t think so.

BARRY HARRIS, Edmonton

(Be skeptical anytime someone tells you they know how to handle Trump)

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