Chris Alemany🇺🇦🇨🇦🇪🇸4d ago

This is an excellent a-political explainer about why the actual act of Alberta, or any province, "separating" from Canada is a very difficult, maybe impossible, prospect.

It's worth the time (14 minutes) Including if you're not Canadian and want a relatively quick summary of some of the very Canadian history and processes.
#Canada #Separatism #Alberta #USA #CanPoli #CdnPoli #TheAmericanFascist #USA #CBC

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7136155

Why Alberta’s separation from Canada is almost impossible | About That

Alberta's separatist sentiment has resurged in recent months amid the Trump administration's comments about the province's future, coupled with economic and political tensions with the Canadian government. Andrew Chang explains what it would actually take to grant sovereignty to a Canadian province, and why it's so difficult to achieve. Images provided by The Canadian Press, Reuters, Adobe Stock and Getty Images

CBC
Show threadJean-François Mezei4d ago
@chris When Canada became a country, the first nation treaties signed with the crown were transfered to Canada who has to honour them. One would assume that a separating Alberta would also have to inherit and honour the portions of the treaties that pertain to Alberta. I don't think this would be a big issue, and Donald J Smoth would likely even promise better trearment of first nations under separate AB to gain votes.
Show threadChris Alemany🇺🇦🇨🇦🇪🇸4d ago
@jfmezei this is all part of the video! It's well done. And makes that point that while all of this is technically possible, the actual likelihood of everything lining up resulting in separation is very slim in indeed. The indigenous question in particular I think is a show stopper because the treaties were signed with the Crown before Alberta was even a province.
Show threadGordon J Holtslander4d ago
@chris @jfmezei If Alberta attempts to separate they would have to negotiate with the First Nations treaty holders. That would be a very interesting negotiation as the separatists have nothing but ignorance and outrage to bargain with.
Show threadJean-François Mezei4d ago

@pinhman @chris Not necessarily. Alberta can simply take on existing first nation treaties and honour the portions that pertain to its territory.

In fact, it would be likely that Alberta would inherit all federal govt laws at time of separation and then decide what to do with them over time.

What is not automatic are international trade deals between Canada and other countries. Can't be just transfered to AB without OK from the other country.

Show threadRichard Nairn4d ago
@jfmezei @pinhman @chris No, the treaties predate Alberta and were not made with Alberta. They are made with the crown. The First Nations have already made their position clear.
Show threadJean-François Mezei

@RichardNairn @pinhman @chris If Alberta were to overwhlemingly vote "yes" on separation, you'll find first nations willing to accept transfer of treaty to Alberta in exchange for a few goodies not provided by feds like drinking water etc.

Prior to referendum, one needs to weed out political posturing against it from realities should it go through

Mar 20 at 10:23pmWeb
Show threadRichard Nairn4d ago
@jfmezei @pinhman @chris I would not bet on First Nations accepting such a transfer of rights.
Show threadGordon J Holtslander4d ago

@jfmezei @RichardNairn @chris From a history of neglect, mis-management and dishonor I doubt First Nations would accept any agreement from Alberta separtists.

Its the separtists that must first make an agreement with the treaty holders.

Or the separtists can try to make the case that international treaties are worthless with international law

Show threadRichard Nairn4d ago
@pinhman @jfmezei @chris The Alberta Act of 1905 established the province but did not devolve the treaties as they pre-existed and are constitutionally protected. Alberta can’t negotiate the treaties.
Show threadJean-François Mezei4d ago
@RichardNairn @pinhman @chris as a province, Alberta cannot negotiate the treaties. You are correct. But if Alberta becomes its own country, has happened to Canada, it would inherit its obligations under variety of treaties.
Show threadGordon J Holtslander4d ago

@jfmezei NO!

An Alberta state would have nothing, it inherits nothing, it is owed nothing. It did not exist as anything but a territory of Canada that was granted provincial status.

Prior to that, what is now labelled Alberta, was lived on and managed by First Nations that existed long before Canada itself existed.

It would exist from the generosity of Canadians and First Nations.

This new state would be dependent on international cooperation and support, while it works to deny the obligations it has to international law.

Show threadMarty B4d ago
@pinhman @jfmezei Let's hope it never comes to this.
Show threadAnti Faisisteach Saebhiar4d ago
@MartyB4 @pinhman @jfmezei Truly. An "independent" Alberta would quickly become a vasal of the US. All they would own is self pwn.
Show threadChris Alemany🇺🇦🇨🇦🇪🇸4d ago

@jfmezei @RichardNairn @pinhman i don't think so. And I think this line of reasoning is disrespectful.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd9g4dpjwgvo

King expressed 'concern' over Alberta separatists, say First Nations chiefs after meeting

Indigenous leaders made Charles aware of the "threat" posed by the movement during a meeting in London, they say.

Show threadJean-François Mezei4d ago

@pinhman @chris @RichardNairn key phrase: Those treaty rights are protected by the Canadian constitution, which recognises and affirms them.

The king of Canada has interest in ensuring Canada follows its laws. Hence the meeting. But at best he would suggest thé Canadian government ensure the treaty is upheld. The treaty may have been signed by UK government back when Canada was a mere British territory, but is is now a Canadian treaty.

Show threadJean-François Mezei4d ago
@chris @RichardNairn @pinhman Via Rail is a crown corporation yet not owned not controlled by the king. The term crown is used to refer to stuff owned by or obligations held by the country , not the parliament. But parliament is responsible for managing/upholding those assets and obligations.
Show threadPaul Turnbull has moved.🇨🇦4d ago

@jfmezei Alberta is not going to vote to separate. Support for separatism in Alberta is far lower than in Quebec.

@RichardNairn @pinhman @chris