Nova Scotia got hammered after confederation in 1867 to the benefit of Ontario and Ontario is in the same boat as the manufacturing centers in America now, in decline. Alberta's day in the sun my be short lived and an international (American) embargo on tar sands oil is very real possibility, in the not too distant future it might be treated like coal. Where I live we sit on vast supplies of coal and almost none of it is mined and very little is used locally either. The economic tides are changing constantly and ever year oil is becoming less important to the global economy, in a decade many cars will be electric. We have off shore oil on the Canadian east coast too and good future prospects for lot's more. Compared to the economic hammering the maritime's and Ontario have has taken in the past few decades Alberta has gotten away lightly.
The federal liberal government has little to do with the pipeline issues, they took over one of the companies so they could use eminent domain to push things through. It's the provinces to the east and west, native rights and constitutional issues that are the problem, if Harper with his single minded focus on pipelines for 10 years could do nothing except head south, what could any government do? An independent Alberta would make this situation much worse for Alberta, Obama blocked the pipeline south then Trump allowed it and a democratic win in 2020 could see it shut down all together.
Then there would be the issue of federal native land claims in Alberta if succession were on the table and it would not end well for what would be left of the province. Western independence would be a very bad idea and joining America would not be an option, since they would not want a couple of extra, "liberal" states and besides, I don't know too many Canadians who would want to be Americans, even Albertan's. Would you wanna be in the middle of that hot mess with Trump? Jesus Christ I'm glad to be Canadian, winters and all!
Nova Scotia got hammered after confederation in 1867 to the benefit of Ontario and Ontario is in the same boat as the manufacturing centers in America now, in decline. Alberta's day in the sun my be short lived and an international (American) embargo on tar sands oil is very real possibility, in the not too distant future it might be treated like coal. Where I live we sit on vast supplies of coal and almost none of it is mined and very little is used locally either. The economic tides are changing constantly and ever year oil is becoming less important to the global economy, in a decade many cars will be electric. We have off shore oil on the Canadian east coast too and good future prospects for lot's more. Compared to the economic hammering the maritime's and Ontario have has taken in the past few decades Alberta has gotten away lightly.
The federal liberal government has little to do with the pipeline issues, they took over one of the companies so they could use eminent domain to push things through. It's the provinces to the east and west, native rights and constitutional issues that are the problem, if Harper with his single minded focus on pipelines for 10 years could do nothing except head south, what could any government do? An independent Alberta would make this situation much worse for Alberta, Obama blocked the pipeline south then Trump allowed it and a democratic win in 2020 could see it shut down all together.
Then there would be the issue of federal native land claims in Alberta if succession were on the table and it would not end well for what would be left of the province. Western independence would be a very bad idea and joining America would not be an option, since they would not want a couple of extra, "liberal" states and besides, I don't know too many Canadians who would want to be Americans, even Albertan's. Would you wanna be in the middle of that hot mess with Trump? Jesus Christ I'm glad to be Canadian, winters and all!
DIY
Chuckle..I agree with you entirely or being happy at present of being a Canadian.
I would also whole heartedly agree that the stalled pipeline was not a result of the Liberals, but rather stalled efforts over the years by previous government and oil and gas executives alike..so here we now sit.
I think there are a few things to mention:
First, Western separation is unlikely and certainly the last choice of any citizen of this great country.
Second, I would be less inclined to call it Western separation as I would separation of the prairies..The fundamental divide between BC and Alberta seems less inclined to make them allies. If separation were ever to occur in my mind, it would be Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba...anyone proposing such measures knows full well the importance of International ports...Hudson Bay offering such an option.
Third..No question, inclusion of indigenous group and getting their input creates a more dynamic issue. Treaties etc. Personally, I dont see this as a problem as they want to thrive and provide for their members like anyone..Being part of the three province alliance would offer them far more that was is given from the Federal govt at present.
Four...and in my opinion more importantly from this conversation...I don't think people realize the dynamic...the pipeline is not the
primary issue, but merely the straw that seems to be breaking the camels back..Bad decisions about it were made in the past..no question...but when given the opportunity to defend its decision in courts upon appeal...The liberal government gave absolutely NO rebuttal...They didnt even present one...by purchasing the pipeline the government owed a defense to not only Canadian taxpayers who purchased it, but also Alberta energy companies who rely on it...Thats their obligation to defend interests! This just reminds me of Trump using media outlets to fill and kill compromising stories of himself with the string of ladies..The enquirer paid tons of money for exclusive stories then buried them..and gagged the individuals.
The primary issue is redistribution of wealth in the country..transfer payments! If the situation were more like regional disparity of industry thats one thing...ie fishing on the east coast...but what happening is that Energy is getting kicked in the teeth and Alberta is having to take on massive debt money is still being swapped directly from Alberta to Quebec annually to the tune of $11 Billion!!
Lastly, and this is what a lot of people out east dont realize...most indigenous groups with lands along the pipeline route actually are pro pipeline as this is a decent opportunity for its people to obtain high paying jobs..both in terms of construction and maintenance...That said, they are even salivating at the prospect to become owners in the project..Why wouldnt they be? Personally I think its excellent idea as everyone reaps the benefit and everyone has "skin in the game" with success or failure.
Toad
. Next question? 10 hecklers = 1 hectare jsyk
