The Intelligence from The Economist Oil be going: Canada’s separatist west
Dec 9, 2019
Jen Gerson, a writer for The Economist, discusses the surging Wexit movement in Alberta, highlighting its roots in economic discontent and feelings of alienation from central Canada. The conversation also touches on innovative startups leveraging climate data to predict risks and the urgent need for climate analytics following events like Hurricane Sandy. Additionally, they explore Sweden's unique approach to wealth and billionaires, providing intriguing lessons on wealth distribution that could resonate globally.
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Wexit Movement
- A separatist movement called Wexit is gaining traction in Western Canada, particularly in Alberta.
- This movement aims to separate the western provinces from the rest of Canada.
Alberta's Grievances
- Alberta, the center of Canada's oil and gas sector, is the heart of the Wexit movement.
- The province has a young population and was wealthy until the 2014 oil price collapse.
Political Alienation
- Albertans feel alienated from national politics and ignored by politicians.
- They resent federal policies like anti-pipeline campaigns and climate change initiatives.