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Host Barry Bussey sits down with author and columnist Michael Wagner to unpack the growing Alberta independence movement—and why many supporters see it as a longing for “the old Canada.” Wagner argues that frustration is driven largely by economic and political alienation: Alberta’s consistent federal voting patterns, perceived underrepresentation in Parliament and the Senate, and federal policies that Albertans believe have constrained energy development.
The conversation widens into Canada’s regional identities (with comparisons to Newfoundland and Quebec), the West’s long push for Senate reform, and Wagner’s view that Pierre Trudeau set Canada on its current trajectory—through the Charter, centralization of power, and historic energy policies such as the National Energy Program. Bussey and Wagner also discuss how debates over the notwithstanding clause, judicial power, and “charter values” shape today’s conflicts over rights and democratic accountability.
Finally, Wagner shares what he’s seeing on the ground in Alberta—including the petition drive toward a possible independence referendum and legal challenges that could affect the process—before pointing listeners to his books and online resources.
Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.
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