Chris Clegg
Dear good citizens of Canada:
Please do not take the recent actions of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to heart. Please be assured, most Albertans do not want to separate from the great country of Canada we call home.
If it comes to a vote, be reassured Albertans will resoundingly turn down separation. We will put a stop to this nonsense.
We do want Canadians, however, to understand the frustration many Albertans feel toward Confederation. In short, we are tired of being treated like a colony from the powers-that-be in Ottawa. We feel like second-class citizens, existing only to please the political elite in Ottawa at their beck and call.
Make no mistake. It seems to not matter whether it’s the Liberals ruling or the Conservatives. The issues affecting the land we call Wild Rose Country have existed for decades, and are only getting worse. We want it to stop.
Like people in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Ontario, Albertans are a hard-working people. Our province is blessed with an abundance of riches. Alberta does not mind sharing its riches with the rest of the country. What angers Albertans is that our ability to produce the riches we share is being jeopardized by political decisions made by the very people who are willing to accept our money in the form of federal transfer payments, yet attempt to shut down the very industries that creates the wealth we share with Canada.
All we want to be able to do is to continue working.
Please, allow us to continue to develop our oil and gas industry. Please realize Alberta is the economic engine of Canada. Please allow us to work and share our wealth and to continue to build this great nation. That is all we are asking.
We are not asking for special status. We are not asking for special laws. We are only asking for fair treatment and for policies to be fairly implemented for all Canadians whether they live in Corner Brook, Kenora, Estevan or even Camrose!
Please do not believe the few Albertans who want to separate. They are a small minority.
Canada is fractured, not because of its people but because of its politicians. Please believe the hatred you hear from Alberta from a few is more frustration than anger. Leave us alone to do our work and live our lives.
All these issues can be fixed. It is high time Ottawa began to fix them!
Albertans welcome other Canadians to come here, work and play, and contribute to our high quality of life. Come enjoy our lakes and rivers, mountains and prairies, cities and towns. We welcome anyone who wants to live here and work hard.
Albertans know Canada is a great country. Albertans believe we can help make Canada an even greater country if we are allowed to prosper. It is as simple as that.
Albertans are proud people. We are proud to be Albertans but just as proud to be Canadians.
Please do not forget that!