Wexit - Really?

As someone who has lived more than a few decades, I should not be surprised when people start talking about the same stuff they did 30-40 years ago. I should not be surprised, but I am. I keep on forgetting that we, as a society are not any smarter than we were then. Therefore, we are doomed to have the same political debates again and again and again.

I get that some people in the west feel as if they are being badly used by the federation. I understand how profoundly unfair it must feel when Alberta consistently pays far more into the equalization fund than they ever get out. The injustice of provinces like Quebec who get a large chunk of the funds - much of it derived from Alberta's oil-based economy - refusing to allow Alberta to ship its oil by pipeline across Quebec must grate on everyone's nerves. It must be equalling as galling when British Columbia tries to stop similar plans for transporting oil. The fact that Canada as a nation has been unable to ensure that Alberta's biggest moneymaker has access to the markets in Asia only reinforces the futility of belonging to a federation that does little to help.

There is, of course, another point of view. Not only has the government done everything to approve one of the proposed pipelines but they bought the company to ensure that the pipeline could be built. Canada has, as well, spends/gives billions of dollars in indirect subsidies to the oil industries. Those who suggest that Alberta could separate are seldom clear as to what national government based in Alberta would do to make things better. For example, if there was a way of getting the oil to either coast without having to ask people for their input and permission, I am quite sure that the Liberals and the Conservatives before them - would have done it.

In spite of the apparent injustices and the inherent unfairness of a system that argues that a federal government must do what is best for the most number of people - there are more benefits to belonging than not belonging. Even more important, leaving is never an easy thing to do. One only has to look at Great Britain and the colossal nightmare that has existed for the last few years as that country tries to negotiate a graceful way out of the European economic union. What that country has found out it that their trading partners have no desire to allow Britain to leave while maintaining many of the benefits of the relationship. Why would they? The Europeans are under no obligation to make things easy for Britain.

I have thought for some time that if Britain had negotiated with the EU before the referendum was held, and if the British people had clearly understood what would happen if they left - then perhaps they would have voted differently. I would, therefore, suggest that the newly formed Wexit party (please chose a better or at least less derivative name), that before they hold rallies and inflame those of the public who want/need bread and circus-type politics that they develop some policies. They need to tell everyone how they would deal with trade and customs agreements between a small landlocked country and the rest of the world, which currency would they use, how would they deal with Indigenous land claims etc. etc.? When they have worked out all of the details - then I would be very happy to be part of the conversation.

In the meantime - those who are arguing for Alberta to separate are just playing "silly buggers".