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The idea of Alberta separatism is closer to mainstream than ever before

Alberta alienation is not a new idea, but it has captured so much attention lately partly because of Canada itself

In his timely new book The Republic of Alberta: An Idea That Won’t Go Away (out now with Sutherland House), journalist Tyler Dawson examines the long history and renewed force of Alberta separatism, and traces how a province that remains overwhelmingly Canadian has nonetheless developed a deep and durable sense of alienation from Ottawa, and the rest of the country. In this exclusive excerpt, Dawson reveals the political tensions that followed the 2025 federal election and explores why, for many Albertans, the question is not simply whether Alberta should leave Canada, but whether Canada has ever truly understood what Alberta contributes — and what it expects in return.

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In the weeks before the April 2025 federal election, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith took to the stage at the Strong and Free Network conference in Ottawa. After giving a speech, she sat down for a discussion with Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley and remarked that she recently had a new pedicure.

The idea of Alberta separatism is closer to mainstream than ever before Back to video

“I’m Team Canada right down to my toes,” said Smith. She slipped off her shoe, pointed her foot, and showed her red nails to the audience.

The day was April 10. At the time, angst was circulating in Canada about the forthcoming federal election. What would it mean for the West, which had been frustrated for years under a Liberal government, if the same party were returned to power? Alberta has voted overwhelmingly Conservative for as long as anyone can remember, and it was set to do so again.There were murmurings of increased support for secession in the province should the Liberals prevail. But with Canadian nationalism experiencing a resurgence thanks to U.S. President Donald Trump’s annexation threats, Smith clearly staked her position: she stood for Canada.

A little over two weeks later, Canadians re-elected a Liberal federal government. This version was led by Prime Minister Mark Carney — an Alberta boy who grew up in Edmonton — and not Justin Trudeau, the much-reviled son of Pierre Trudeau, who, 26 years after his death, probably still edges his son for the title of most hated man in the western province.

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