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Stephen Harper: Separatism poses 'significant risk' for Alberta

'Most voting for it will do so just to “send a message” … I believe that approach is mistaken'

As a former prime minister of Canada, staying silent on the upcoming referendum on Alberta secession is not an option. But I wish it were. I love my country, and I love my province. I do not wish to pit one against the other. I believe that is how most Albertans feel.

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Despite the efforts of a few on each side, opinion here is not polarized. Whether they vote for or against the referendum, most Albertans neither wish to separate nor are happy with their place in the country. Albertans are naturally inclined to love Canada and have made disproportionate contributions to every facet of national life. They do, however, wonder why Canada periodically seems to not love them.

It has not always been like this. Indeed, as late as 2015, support........

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