Separatists in Canada

[esdras]

Okay, I'm a political junkie. Even though I fully admit the recent political turmoil in Canada is bad on many levels, part of me finds it absolutely fascinating. One side issue to arise from this has been the rise of separatist sentiments in both Quebec and the West.

So, while this thread has the potential to become heated - I hope, as has been the case in the other thread, that this topic can be handled in a civil manner.

Here's an exerpt from The Western Standard

And opportunists are seizing the moment to cast old grievances in a new mould. In Alberta, for example, the turmoil has given new life to the moribund separatism movement.
“I would like to apologize for the inactivity of the Separation Party of Alberta,” wrote leader Bruce Hutton this month. “Our web site and our party has been dormant for a considerable period of time, but these Ottawa good old boys have certainly regenerated interest in our party.”
Hutton isn’t just talking through his hat. With the potential coalition threat still hanging over the head of their Calgary-based prime minister, more and more Albertans are openly declaring that eastern interests are once again undermining legitimate western aspirations. And they’re not just mad as hell – they’re not going to take it anymore.
“The time has come for western Canadians to separate from Canada,” fumed Calgarian Bill Longbotham in a local newspaper. “Confederation was supposed to be an alliance that would be good for every Canadian. This has not been the case for the West for many years. . . . If this power grab takes place, I urge all westerners to contact their premiers and advocate separation.”

Considering the Conservative's recent condemnation of a planned Liberal/NDP coalition being viable only by working with Quebec separatists who (they claim) seek only to break up Canada, should they also openly condemn Western Canadian separatist movements, even though the movement comes from Alberta, which is essentially the center of Conservative support in Canada?

So, is there a difference between Quebec and Western separatist groups (is one justifiable while the other isn't) - or is a separatist a separatist, period (both equally valid or both equally wrong).

 

[esdras]

Wow - lots of votes - but nobody taking the jump to claim what they voted.

Okay, my poll - so I'll take the plunge first.

I voted for neither being justifiable.

My explanation - while I fully accept the legality of a province democratically voting to secede from Canada in compliance with The Clarity Act, what may be legal may not (in my opinion anyway) be the best choice. Much like the recent debate about the coalition (legal, but ethically questionable), or Harper asking the GG to prorogue parliament (also legal and also ethically questionable).

Essentially, while I recognize that both provinces/regions have felt a sense of alienation or betrayal by the federal government, I firmly believe that separating from Canada would always be worse than any other plan that attempts to address regional concerns while keeping Canada intact. In other words, in my opinion, even the worst plan to address regional concerns that keeps Canada together is still better than separation.

Those who don't see separation as the worst possible option would disagree with me. That will be, however, the nature of this issue.

 

[declansdad]

Like most people, I voted neither.

I don't think there is any good reason for Canada to be broken up. Every part of this country has or does feel alienated but that is not a good reason to break it up.

Like to know what people voted for th other choices.

 

[SydneyFalco]

I voted for both. Let's break up. Hopefully, the U.S. will follow suit and split into two coasts and a middle. Then we'll have, like, six countries minimum to choose from!

 

[I Run Long]

I think it's pretty naive to think that separation in any way, shape or form is the answer to whatever problems a province or a country is experiencing. Issues are always more complicated than can be fully realized on the surface of things.

 

[lisalonglash]

I voted "neither", but I can certainly see why Western provinces would even entertain the notion. We're sick and tired of having a nearly non-existent federal political voice. We're sick and tired of Quebec being coddled financially for political reasons and not economic reasons. We're sick and tired of knowing that the federal election has been decided before we even get to our polling stations.

I don't want to separate from Canada and I really don't believe such a separation would ever happen, mostly because there simply isn't the support required for such a situation. However, I can certainly see the allure of such a notion....