The Big Story What's at stake if Alberta separates from Canada?
Jan 13, 2026
Dr. Barry Cooper, a political scientist from the University of Calgary, dives into Alberta's burgeoning separatism movement and the implications of Bill 14. He discusses the economic motivations behind the push for autonomy and the potential consequences of a referendum. Cooper critiques federal responses to Alberta's grievances, emphasizing the province's fiscal contributions and frustrations over pipeline politics. He outlines how Alberta’s independence could mirror Quebec's approach, predicting a politically charged future as the province moves toward a binding vote.
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Economic Change Outpaced Political Power
- Alberta's economic rise has not been matched by its political power within Canada according to Barry Cooper.
- He argues this structural mismatch makes greater provincial independence increasingly likely without federal reform.
Central Canada Has Little Incentive To Reform
- Cooper says Laurentian Canada benefits from the current federal setup and lacks incentive to reform it.
- He suggests Ontario and Quebec's financial interests make meaningful change unlikely.
Fiscal Transfers Fuel Western Grievances
- Cooper highlights large net fiscal transfers from Alberta to other provinces as a core grievance.
- He frames equalization and transfers as central to Western discontent with Confederation.