Re: “Alberta Premier Danielle Smith deflects complaints she’s stoking separatism talk,” May 2.

It is quite unsettling that Smith and a relatively small minority of Alberta’s population are flirting with the idea of western separatism. She certainly is not categorically denying her support.

The case for separation is so weak it borders on the absurd. There is no foundation in Alberta for a legitimate separatist movement.

The province boasts the highest GDP of all provinces, and its language, culture, and institutions are as Canadian as maple syrup. Albertans I’ve encountered are proudly pro-Canada and stand as tall as anyone when our flag is flown.

So where does this separatist sentiment originate? It appears to stem from a long-standing right-wing narrative — an extremist argument advanced by conservatives who resent liberal governments and view them as obstacles to unfettered corporate control of industry.

This hostility dates back to the days of Premier Peter Lougheed and his opposition to the federal government’s National Energy Program, which aimed to increase Canadian control over the oil and gas sector and maintain fair oil prices for Canadian consumers. Not a bad idea, by most reasonable standards.

Lougheed and right-wing elements in Alberta, framed their opposition to the NEP as a federal intrusion on provincial rights, thereby portraying Alberta as a victim.

From this narrative emerged the notion of “Western Alienation,” a concept that has lingered for decades and resurfaces whenever the Liberal Party forms the federal government.

Today, we once again hear the separatist drums beating in Alberta — this time with the troubling complicity of the premier, who refuses to speak out loudly and clearly against this divisive and destabilizing movement.

The last thing Canada needs at this time is for this discordant concept to rear its ugly head. Elbows up and Canada forever!

Robert Milan

Victoria

Why are some of Canada’s premiers so lacking in leadership qualities?

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith thinks she can blackmail the federal government with the threat of referendums to separate, and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has jumped on the bandwagon saying he wouldn’t stop a vote. Small difference.

I support more pipelines to get Canadian oil and gas to Eastern Canada to stop importing foreign oil and to diversify markets with Europe and Asia. And in contrast to pipeline opponents, I understand how replacing coal with LNG will reduce emissions that cause climate change.

The idea that we continue to sell........

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