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Or sign-in if you have an account.Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks during a press conference at the Western Premiers’ Conference in Kananaskis, Alberta on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Gavin Young/PostmediaWith a weak and possibly shrinking economy, coupled with growing trade uncertainty with the United States, it’s a less than ideal time for a Canadian national unity crisis.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorUnfortunately, we seem to be rushing headlong into one.It’s not our first, of course, but what’s unprecedented about our latest unity stress test is what’s happening in western Canada. For the first time, Albertans will be casting ballots on their future in a fall referendum that could open the door to a subsequent binding vote on leaving Confederation.While all of this is less than ideal, hopefully it can serve as a wake-up call. The underlying issues and frustrations in Alberta aren’t new, but this moment creates an opportunity to recognize just what it is we stand to loseThis newsletter from NP Comment tackles the topics you care about. (Subscriber-exclusive edition on Fridays)By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againThere is a separatist argument that ultimately it is Canada that needs Alberta. The counterargument from the federalist side would be that Alberta needs Canada. The path forward might just involve acknowledging that both perspectives are correct.And, indeed, there appears to be a growing recognition that losing Alberta represents a true lose-lose situation. Let’s hope that from this common ground can emerge a path to diffuse these frustrations and finally build on the strengths of this partnership.A new Postmedia-Leger poll finds that Canadians largely view Alberta’s departure from the federation as more economically damaging than Quebec’s potential exit. One-third of respondents said that Alberta’s departure would have a greater negative impact on Canada’s economy, compared to just eight per cent who said the same of Quebec.It’s a straightforward observation, in many ways. While Quebec is obviously larger (although Alberta’s population is growing much more rapidly), Alberta is much more of an economic engine for the country, representing a disproportionately large share of Canada’s economic output.The poll also reflects a broader acknowledgement of the need to address the discontent in Alberta. More Canadians believe that Ottawa does a better job reflecting Quebec’s interests than Alberta’s interests. And a whopping 66 per cent of Canadians say they support the agreement between Alberta and the feds to build a new pipeline and expand the province’s oil and gas sector.That value gives Alberta some leverage, but it’s not a one-way street. Just as Alberta’s exit would be negative for Canada, Canada’s absence would create negatives for Alberta.It was actually Alberta’s premier who laid this all out in rather stark terms earlier this week.When asked about a pending government report offering a cost/benefit analysis of independence, Danielle Smith noted it’s already quite apparent that separation would mean significant costs for Alberta.Alberta already controls its natural resources and the revenues that generates, which is not always the case for subnational governments. But as a subnational government, Alberta is spared the expense of the duties and responsibilities of a national government.As Smith notes, a new country would have to pay for a “laundry list” of new programs and obligations. That includes, but not limited to, national defence (with a new five per cent of GDP NATO target), a tax collection agency, Old Age Security, the Child Tax Benefit, the infrastructure to administer CPP and EI, border control, foreign embassies and trade offices, a post office, and regulation of telecoms, banking, and railways.Of course, the biggest price tag would likely be taking on Alberta’s share of the national debt, which could total upwards of $170-billion, representing roughly $10-billion in annual interest costs.Those are significant and unavoidable costs, regardless of how much separatists might bristle at the notion that remaining in Canada offers any benefit.This confederation does not always work as it should or live up to its true potential. That’s no reason to cast it aside, however. Having a clearer understanding of what’s at stake can at least be an impetus to strive for something better than a flawed and uninspiring status quo.It shouldn’t fall to a burgeoning appetite for separation or the brinkmanship of a referendum to force us out of our collective slumber on these simmering issues. As disruptive as this whole process may turn out to be, the silver lining could at least be a belated recognition of the need for change.Already there are indications that things are moving in that direction. This poll reflects a growing engagement on the part of Canadians and a growing appetite for change. Danielle Smith’s comments, coupled with strong support for the new agreement with Ottawa and for remaining in Canada, reflect a willing partner in Alberta.This could all still go sideways, but there’s a lot to build on here.Rob Breakenridge is a Calgary-based podcaster and writer. He can be found at robbreakenridge.ca and reached at rob.breakenridge@gmail.com Join the Conversation This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.