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This former soldier chooses patriotism ‘and’ independence

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I consider myself a patriot, I served in our military, I love my country and only wish the best for everyone. I was raised in a time when we were taught to always treat people with respect, and that they would reciprocate. I believe that this thinking is sort of timeless, so I suspect most Albertans would say they think the same way.

Unfortunately when it comes to government, and Alberta’s place in confederation, this hasn’t been the case. Albertans have given so much to our federal government in the way of the blood of our soldiers, the fruits of our labours, and all of this with only the expectation to be treated with respect in return.

As soldiers I like to think we held onto the highest ideals of what being a Canadian was. Canadian soldiers throughout our history have established a reputation for all of us to benefit from. A reputation of selfless individuals who stand on principle, honour, and willing to risk their lives in defence of those ideals.

I saw as my brothers came back from military actions overseas, who were and are still, treated in a manner that is so disrespectful that it makes me ashamed of what my country has become. I have mixed feelings, of sorrow in realizing the dream of what Canada was supposed to be has been abandoned by our political leaders, and at the same time disgust for those people, especially our Prime Minister. A man who has demonstrated time and again that he has no honour and although he holds the office of PM, I have nothing but contempt for the man.

This combined with the disregard I see him treat all Albertans with, is far too much to accept, and when faced with a moral dilemma, I always do my best to choose the side of right. This is how I was raised, this is how the Army helped to fashion me as a young man, and these aspects of my character will never change.

I don’t believe that we can continue with a system of government that is immoral, and think that we can make something good come out of it. Corrupt systems encourage corrupt people and practices. Vast sums of money have been used to secure votes in past federal elections, all for the sake of securing power.

Obviously ex soldiers are not a huge voting block, nor do they have a powerful lobby. They are however deserving of our respect as individuals, and shouldn’t have to take the government to court to receive benefits that were promised.

This is just another example of how our government seeks to please specific demographics. Those groups who can motivate or secure large blocks of votes, or garner massive amounts of media coverage in support of specific policies, or in support of the ruling party; they all get the personal attention of Trudeau.

I resent it when it’s mentioned that to suggest independence for Alberta is unpatriotic. My loyalty to the crown, or the flag, or my brothers in arms is strong, and is based upon my core loyalty to my family, friends and community. I can’t just sit idly by and watch as lives and families are destroyed all around me by bad government policy, and say nothing.

I know it is my duty that I must speak out against the injustice’s all Albertans are suffering through, and lend my voice to the many others that feel the same. When a government has become so corrupted that neglects it’s core responsibilities to disabled vets, or it discriminates against any region or group of people, then it is the duty of every citizen to work to replace that government.

To me the good of the people of Alberta is more important than our traditions, our national symbols, our laws, our government and especially our leaders. If they will not stand up for our families, our livelihoods, our future; then they are worse than lost, they are despicable.

The old uniform that still hangs in my closet brings back many memories and fills me with pride. Not that I did anything special, but pride in that I was blessed to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder among men of strong conviction. Men who understood the meaning of duty, honour, and sacrifice. Men who share a bond of brotherhood that most people never experience.

If Mr. Trudeau thinks that we Albertans will simply accept our lot in life, that we are no threat to his hold on power, and are for all intents and purposes irrelevant except for how he desires to use us; then I think it’s time that we show the world what Albertans are really made of.

We can and should chose self determination, stand up for ourselves, and become a free and independent nation. A nation that can become the envy of the free world. A nation that will help our neighbours break free from fear and embrace their own independence and chart their own destiny. A nation that does the right thing, and takes care of it’s own.

It’s time for us to stand up and do the right thing. It’s time to truly make Alberta Strong and Free.

Norm Wiebe is a local Financial Advisor and political policy enthusiast. He and his wife Lera, live in Red Deer with their two children. Norm uses facebook to promote ideas, so look for him there. https://www.facebook.com/norman.wiebe

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Alberta

Big win for Alberta and Canada: Statement from Premier Smith

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Premier Danielle Smith issued the following statement on the April 2, 2025 U.S. tariff announcement:

“Today was an important win for Canada and Alberta, as it appears the United States has decided to uphold the majority of the free trade agreement (CUSMA) between our two nations. It also appears this will continue to be the case until after the Canadian federal election has concluded and the newly elected Canadian government is able to renegotiate CUSMA with the U.S. administration.

“This is precisely what I have been advocating for from the U.S. administration for months.

“It means that the majority of goods sold into the United States from Canada will have no tariffs applied to them, including zero per cent tariffs on energy, minerals, agricultural products, uranium, seafood, potash and host of other Canadian goods.

“There is still work to be done, of course. Unfortunately, tariffs previously announced by the United States on Canadian automobiles, steel and aluminum have not been removed. The efforts of premiers and the federal government should therefore shift towards removing or significantly reducing these remaining tariffs as we go forward and ensuring affected workers across Canada are generously supported until the situation is resolved.

“I again call on all involved in our national advocacy efforts to focus on diplomacy and persuasion while avoiding unnecessary escalation. Clearly, this strategy has been the most effective to this point.

“As it appears the worst of this tariff dispute is behind us (though there is still work to be done), it is my sincere hope that we, as Canadians, can abandon the disastrous policies that have made Canada vulnerable to and overly dependent on the United States, fast-track national resource corridors, get out of the way of provincial resource development and turn our country into an independent economic juggernaut and energy superpower.”

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Alberta

Energy sector will fuel Alberta economy and Canada’s exports for many years to come

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From the Fraser Institute

By Jock Finlayson

By any measure, Alberta is an energy powerhouse—within Canada, but also on a global scale. In 2023, it produced 85 per cent of Canada’s oil and three-fifths of the country’s natural gas. Most of Canada’s oil reserves are in Alberta, along with a majority of natural gas reserves. Alberta is the beating heart of the Canadian energy economy. And energy, in turn, accounts for one-quarter of Canada’s international exports.

Consider some key facts about the province’s energy landscape, as noted in the Alberta Energy Regulator’s (AER) 2023 annual report. Oil and natural gas production continued to rise (on a volume basis) in 2023, on the heels of steady increases over the preceding half decade. However, the dollar value of Alberta’s oil and gas production fell in 2023, as the surging prices recorded in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine retreated. Capital spending in the province’s energy sector reached $30 billion in 2023, making it the leading driver of private-sector investment. And completion of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project has opened new offshore export avenues for Canada’s oil industry and should boost Alberta’s energy production and exports going forward.

In a world striving to address climate change, Alberta’s hydrocarbon-heavy energy sector faces challenges. At some point, the world may start to consume less oil and, later, less natural gas (in absolute terms). But such “peak” consumption hasn’t arrived yet, nor does it appear imminent. While the demand for certain refined petroleum products is trending down in some advanced economies, particularly in Europe, we should take a broader global perspective when assessing energy demand and supply trends.

Looking at the worldwide picture, Goldman Sachs’ 2024 global energy forecast predicts that “oil usage will increase through 2034” thanks to strong demand in emerging markets and growing production of petrochemicals that depend on oil as the principal feedstock. Global demand for natural gas (including LNG) will also continue to increase, particularly since natural gas is the least carbon-intensive fossil fuel and more of it is being traded in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Against this backdrop, there are reasons to be optimistic about the prospects for Alberta’s energy sector, particularly if the federal government dials back some of the economically destructive energy and climate policies adopted by the last government. According to the AER’s “base case” forecast, overall energy output will expand over the next 10 years. Oilsands output is projected to grow modestly; natural gas production will also rise, in part due to greater demand for Alberta’s upstream gas from LNG operators in British Columbia.

The AER’s forecast also points to a positive trajectory for capital spending across the province’s energy sector. The agency sees annual investment rising from almost $30 billion to $40 billion by 2033. Most of this takes place in the oil and gas industry, but “emerging” energy resources and projects aimed at climate mitigation are expected to represent a bigger slice of energy-related capital spending going forward.

Like many other oil and gas producing jurisdictions, Alberta must navigate the bumpy journey to a lower-carbon future. But the world is set to remain dependent on fossil fuels for decades to come. This suggests the energy sector will continue to underpin not only the Alberta economy but also Canada’s export portfolio for the foreseeable future.

Jock Finlayson

Senior Fellow, Fraser Institute
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