Hub Podcasts What would it take for an independent Alberta to join Canada today?
Jul 24, 2025
Gary Mar, President of the Canada West Foundation and a former Alberta cabinet minister, teams up with Jared Wesley, a political science professor specializing in Alberta's political culture. They discuss Alberta's hypothetical independence from Canada and the complex negotiations that would follow, from treaty rewrites with Indigenous peoples to geopolitical challenges. They also explore the emotional impact of referendums, Alberta's quest for respect within Confederation, and the balancing act of maintaining its identity amid growing separatist sentiments.
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Alberta's Creation and Indigenous Treaties
- Alberta's existence owes itself to Canada and federal treaties with Indigenous peoples.
- An independent Alberta would have to renegotiate these treaties anew with Indigenous groups.
Clear Jurisdiction Demands
- An independent Alberta joining Canada would demand clear provincial-federal jurisdiction delineations.
- Faster dispute resolution methods outside courts could improve jurisdictional conflicts.
Economic Benefits of Confederation
- Alberta benefits greatly from Canada's international agreements and credit rating.
- Leaving Canada would mean losing global influence, currency stability, and free trade within Canada.