Discussing the “issues separatists don’t want to discuss”

Since there is no requirement for residency, Canada pension payments are not necessarily affected by independence. It’s not an independence issue. As well, since Ottawa is more of a hindrance than a help on the pipeline issue, I don’t think it is an issue to independence. However, another pipeline is not critical to Alberta. Without the financial, tax and regulatory burden of Canada, Alberta would be prosperous as is.

I read many questions from Albertans fearing change. They demand answers and a definitive vision of an independent Alberta. No one can answer with any authority or even credibility other than opinions, suggestions and choices.

I too fear the changes but it’s about what’s coming to Alberta within Canada. To maintain our culture, quality of life and security, I feel we must deviate from Canada’s path. I suspect Alberta would simply stop changing for the first couple years. Any new direction would be determined by all Albertans. We get to choose, based on our values of individual sovereignty, helping the weak, cheering the strong.

We all have opinions on economics, power struggles, grievances. And we should discuss them. The power is ours.

So that’s it. Do you want to continue down a path defined in the east or join your neighbours in determining our own?

Cliff Bryanton, Irvine