Hundreds of people listened to prominent politicians speak about Alberta alienation and the benefits of federalism on Monday night in Calgary. Non-profit organization Build Canada hosted the sold-out event, dubbed “The Case for a United Canada,” at a University of Calgary venue. Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and Calgary-Confederation MP Corey Hogan were the night’s speakers. “This is a conversation that needs to happen across the political spectrum,” Hogan told CTV News. “I think there are a few things more important than talking about the future of our country, especially at this moment.” While a separation question is not currently on the ballot for October’s referendum, it appears increasingly likely one will pop up this summer. There are two questions currently being considered: the explicit separation push by a coalition of secessionist groups and the Forever Canadian petition, which is currently caught in political limbo. Kenney believes should a vote happen this autumn, Albertans need to know how serious the consequences could be. “A lot of Albertans, maybe one in four, are saying this is a chance to send Ottawa a message,” Kenney said. For some Albertans, that sentiment looks like “‘we’re ticked off and maybe this is how we get leverage.’” “So the pro-Canada people like me have to point out that that really hasn’t worked out all that well for Quebec. They are a have-not province,” Kenney said. “I don’t want to be a major equalization recipient. I don’t want to be seeking special favours from Ottawa.” During the conversation, Kenney took some shots at those running the separatist movement, saying “they couldn’t get elected (as a) dogcatcher.” Hogan says he understands some Albertans are frustrated, but that a separation vote isn’t the way to get back at the feds. “I might not be the best voice for all audiences, but I want to make sure that I’m putting my voice out there,” he told the crowd. “If we’re going to have this conversation, we need to have it with passionate pro-Canadian voices.” Forever delayed On Monday morning, a government committee met to discuss the future of the Forever Canadian petition. That UCP-led group has been heavily criticized for its slow movement as it pertains to the file. Former deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk spent last summer collecting about 439,000 signatures, and they were verified and approved by Elections Alberta in December. But five months later, his petition has not proceeded further. Premier Danielle Smith has called its wording confusing, and the committee — which could direct government to table policy or hold a referendum — doesn’t appear to be in a hurry to make a decision. On Monday, NDP MLA and committee member Rakhi Pancholi tried to force the question to a vote in the legislature to see if “every member” supports staying in Canada. Her push was cut short by the meeting’s end. “(Smith) knows that it is her future leadership that’s at risk,” Pancholi said later. “She knows that her party is now beholden to these separatists, so it is not surprising to me that the premier can’t do what Albertans are asking her to do.” For her part, Smith told reporters she’ll “let the independent committee do the assessment and then make a report to us (the government) about what they think the path forward should be.” She has been more outspoken as of late about her desire for Alberta to remain a part of Canada. “It’s not it’s time for a divorce, as I told the prime minister,” Smith said. “It’s more like couples counseling. It’s ‘let’s get together at a table and identify the issues that are problematic, and let’s work them out.’”
