BURST
OTTAWA — Former Alberta finance minister Travis Toews says it is important for federal Conservatives in Alberta to publicly state their position about remaining a part of Canada, but acknowledged there are “various levels of comfort in entering the debate” in the party’s caucus.
Toews, who previously served in Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party government, is among former politicians from the province campaigning on the “stay” side for the fall referendum, which asks whether Albertans wish to remain part of Canada or begin the process of holding a binding vote on separating.
As for the role to be played by the province’s MPs, 33 out of 37 hail from the Conservatives, Toews said the “No. 1” most important thing is that “all state their position in support of Alberta remaining within Confederation.”
“That alone is significant,” he said. “And you know, there will be …various levels of comfort in entering the debate.”
Since Smith announced plans to put an independence question on a set of referendums she is holding this October, Conservative MPs have begun sharing their positions, on social media, in messages to constituents and in statements to reporters, including local ones.
Some have been more vocal than others. David McKenzie, Conservative MP for Calgary Signal Hill, in a statement addressed to constituents on Monday, vowed to spend the months ahead making the case for Canada and outlined what he saw as the “major difficulties” in the province leaving the federation. McKenzie countered arguments made by those campaigning for separatism by noting that Alberta, a resource-exporting province, has four land borders and by warning of the “significant new expenses” it would incur by leaving by taking on tax collection and defence.
“It is important to recognize the significant amount of uncertainty that a secession decision would have with our relationship with the United States,” wrote McKenzie.
“As an independent country surrounded by Canada and the United States, the pressure to become part of the United States would be significant. The unpredictability of current U.S. leadership – particularly given our energy reserves – is a factor we cannot ignore. Even for those who favour separation, consideration must be given to a scenario where joining the U.S. would become unavoidable (or imposed) if we separate.”
Tom Kmiec, another Conservative MP from Calgary, wrote in his own post that he understands the frustrations Albertans have, but cautioned against turning to separation, saying that it does not “fix” any of the province’s longstanding issues, but “trades a fight we can win for a gamble we cannot undo.”
John Barlow, who represents the rural riding of Foothills, which runs from the outskirts of Calgary to near the Canada-U.S. boundary, recently told the Western Wheel newspaper that he believes “in a strong Alberta as part of a united Canada”
The issue of separation has come up within the Alberta Conservative caucus. Although there was some talk about issuing a joint statement, MPs have so far settled on putting their own touches on the message Opposition Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has driven, saying he will be campaigning “for Canadian unity in Alberta.”
Sam Blackett, a spokesman for Smith, said in a statement the premier “welcomes Mr. Poilievre’s support” and is “encouraged by their commitment to join her in campaigning for Alberta to remain in Canada.”
Poilievre himself represents the rural Alberta riding of Battle—River Crowfoot and was raised in Calgary, but spent most of his adult life in Ottawa.
Toews called his position “incredibly important,” given the province’s deep-blue roots, which helps to cut down any thinking that views separation as a partisan issue, especially given that the latest iteration borne largely out of policies from former prime minister Justin Trudeau.
He believes Conservative MPs have the chance to “cast a vision” surrounding Alberta’s place in Canada.
“There’s an opportunity for Mr. Poilievre and other MPs to step up and provide strong leadership on this question.”
Heather McPherson, an NDP MP from Edmonton, says she believes Conservatives from the province “need to be stronger” on the issue, saying she found their responses to be “a little mealy-mouthed, to be honest.”
Asked whether speaking up may be a challenge, given that Conservative MPs may be hearing from constituents who support separation, a movement that draws much of its strength from rural areas, Toews suggested it will be no simple task.
“This isn’t an easy time right now for conservative politicians in Alberta who are committed to supporting the stay side,” Toews said.
“It’s an uncomfortable time. There’s no doubt about it.”
Poilievre on Monday said he believes that Alberta separating “would be bad for both Alberta and Canada” and then pointed to the fact separatist movements in both that province and Quebec have bubbled to levels that were never seen under past Conservative rule, saying it was Carney’s job “to unite the country.”
Corey Hogan, the lone Liberal MP from Calgary, took to X to say Poilievre ought to “expand beyond reflexive opposition,” and called on the Conservative leader, whom he said “can be a powerful voice for this country and his province” to “point our fire in the right direction.”
Toews says many of the energy policies Carney has adopted as he looks to reset relations with Alberta were first Conservative ideas.
He believes that as an Opposition, Poilievre’s Conservatives have the job of prosecuting the government’s failing on issues like economic growth, but offering support to policies on things it is doing well, saying Canadians are looking for leadership on unity.
“I think there’s some expectation that it’s not only the prime minister’s role but perhaps other leaders, including the leader of the Official Opposition … and I think we’ve seen Pierre step up and do that in some ways already.”
National Post
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