HALIFAX—Nothing is more important in this country’s public life than events unfolding in Alberta.   Separatism is once again knocking on Canada’s door.  

At least some people understand the profound and negative change that separation would bring. Hundreds of doctors have said they would leave the province if it were to become an independent country. 

The numbers are astounding. A survey by the Alberta Medical Association found that only 15 per cent of physicians in the province would continue living and working there in the event of separation from Canada. Those who would leave say they would move to another part of the country, or retire earlier than planned. Both scenarios would be disastrous for Albertans.

Canada’s productivity gap is buried in paperwork

So before anyone in Wild Rose Country votes for separation, they should think about their health. Doctors don’t want to be forced to check paperwork before treating a dangerously ill patient. More importantly, they don’t have to, as one of the country’s most easily mobile professions. Every jurisdiction is looking for more doctors.

Think of the harm to health care as just one of the unintended consequences of pulling out of Canada. If a minority of separatists is able to push through a vote to make Alberta a separate country, with fewer doctors, health care becomes a dreaded life-and-death issue for many more........

© The Hill Times