June 1 2026
Dear Constituents,
RE: Alberta Separation Referendum
As you are no doubt aware, the Government of Alberta has announced that we will vote in a referendum on whether to remain within Canada or to initiate a process that may lead to Alberta’s separation from Canada. Given the seriousness of this decision, and now that the parameters of the referendum are known, I want to make my position known, as your Member of Parliament, on this important issue.
Legitimate Grievances
Let me start by acknowledging the legitimate grievances many Albertans – myself included – have felt in the past, and continue to feel, towards the federal government. Issues like equalization, unfair representation in Parliament, excessive federal regulation holding Alberta back and the view that federal dollars are often disproportionately spent elsewhere, are commonly held and are based in fact. These matters frustrate many of us. Fixing issues like these is a key reason I sought public office.
The above issues exist alongside the reality that, by nearly any reasonable measure, Alberta has been a net financial contributor to Canada for a very long time. I often say that I believe that Albertans are generous and willing to help others in, and contribute to, Canada. What we ask for in exchange is simple acknowledgement and basic respect. Our history has shown times where that respect was given. More recent history, particularly under the previous Prime Minister, has left many feeling that this basic respect was sorely lacking.
Separation Will Fix Everything … Right ?
For those who have given up on Canada, separation seems like it will be easy and will fix all our problems. I do not believe that, and no one should vote for separation without considering the major difficulties inherent in such a choice. You must make your own judgements on the issues, but I offer you my perspectives.
We are Landlocked
As you know, access to tidewater for Alberta’s energy resources has been a significant issue both between provinces and with the federal government for some time. This reality has been addressed by separatist leaders – but with solutions that are clearly flawed.
Some have suggested that, as an independent country, Alberta could use the UN Convention on Transit Trade of Land-locked States to “guarantee” access for our resources to tidewater. To start, Canada is not a signatory to this convention. The reality is that Alberta would be required to negotiate with Canada as a separate country to enable our products to get to markets other than the United States – where our crude oil is already sold at a significant discount. There is no circumstance where separation is advantageous to us in commercial negotiations. If anything, it would significantly hamper our negotiating position.
Others have argued that we could apply leverage to Canada through the application of tariffs for goods that come into Alberta or a fee applied to goods travelling through Alberta to other Canadian provinces. It’s important to recognize that tariffs applied by a government are effectively paid by its own citizens and businesses at time of import – they are not paid by foreign entities. As a province Alberta is not large enough to expect that suppliers would reduce the price of goods and services sold in Alberta to fully counter any tariffs Alberta might apply. The reality is that if Alberta applied tariffs Albertans would pay those costs. And fees for transit of goods can be applied in both directions.
Unlikely our Taxes Would be Dramatically Lower
I have heard the argument that after secession Albertans would not have to pay federal taxes and that our tax burden would thus be significantly lower. It is true that we would no longer remit taxes to the Canada Revenue Agency. However, Alberta would have significant new expenses, like national defense, border control, tax collection and foreign diplomatic relations.
The estimates made by various separatist groups as to these costs typically lack clarity as to how they have been calculated. Taking all the potential new costs, as well as the reality that Alberta would not benefit from some of the economies of scale that Canada does with a much larger population, it is hard to see that our overall tax burden would be dramatically lower. If anything, even the initial one-time setup costs for the items above could be very burdensome.
Uncertainty with the United States
It is important to recognize the significant amount of uncertainty that a secession decision would have with our relationship with the United States. As an independent country surrounded by Canada and the United States, the pressure to become part of the United States would be significant. The unpredictability of current US leadership – particularly given our energy reserves – is a factor we cannot ignore. Even for those who favour separation, consideration must be given to a scenario where joining the US would become unavoidable (or imposed) if we separate.
Significant Provincial Autonomy
Alberta already stands out in Canada as a province which is quite willing to say “no thank you” when we disagree with proposals from the federal government or feel they have overreached. In our history, Premier Lougheed successfully pushed back against the National Energy Program. Premier Klein pushed back against intrusions into healthcare structure and environmental law. Today, our current Premier has made it clear on a number of matters that Alberta will go its own way when it disagrees with federal decisions.
Whether you agree or disagree with these decisions made by successive provincial governments, our ability to chart our own path in Canada is abundantly clear in the constitution and has been frequently used in our history.
What We Are Giving Up
My decision to support Alberta remaining in Canada starts with the fact that Canada is a great country. As a former Canadian diplomat and now an MP, I have seen and see today that Canada is the envy of the world – and that people from all over the world see Canada as a beacon of hope and prosperity.
We can be proud of our history as one of the oldest and longest sustained democracies in the world. For 158 years, our common desire for peace, order, and good government has endured and thrived. Each time there has been a transition of political power in Canada, it was completed in the quiet, dignified manner we are known for. An election was held. The people voted and thereby rendered their decision. The incumbent executive branch of government accepted the decision and responsibly transferred power to our country’s new leadership. There was, and has always been, a peaceful and orderly transition of power in Canada. This is no small feat and we should all feel justifiably proud of this fact.
Canada ranks highly on nearly every major worldwide scale. Our people are well educated and have opportunities to build wealth and prosperity. They do so in a country known for institutional stability, decency, and a strong safety net of protections for life’s most challenging moments – and for those who are less fortunate.
Do we have our challenges as a country, and as a confederation of provinces? Absolutely. Confederation is an imperfect union. But now is not the time to give up on Canada: instead, we must keep our focus on addressing the problems within our amazing country and finding real answers to legitimate grievances, regardless of who or why. This is the work I seek to do as an MP every day.
I support Alberta remaining in Canada. I do not support separation.
I would ask those of you considering voting in favour of separation to consider the specific arguments noted in this letter. I also ask you to consider what you would be leaving behind – a great and peaceful country that generations have worked to forge and grow. To those considering voting for separation strategically, I ask you to consider the risks associated with making such a choice.
Personally, I will be spending my time in the weeks and months ahead making the case for Canada door to door, citizen to citizen. I truly believe that Alberta’s best days as part of Canada are ahead.
David GL McKenzie, KC, MP