Former Medicine Hat MP LaVar Payne speaks at the YMCA, standing between two Canadian flags, in this 2013 file photo. The 80-year-old says he is very serious about exploring Alberta's independence from Canada, whether that be as its own nation, or part of the United States.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
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LaVar Payne says he feels independence is the best and only option for Alberta, but that assertion – made this week during a federal election hinged on national sovereignty issues – is earning the former Member of Parliament heavy criticism from some quarters.
But, he also gained some measure of support from former area MLA Drew Barnes for “moving the needle” on Alberta’s issues.
“I see it as the only path for Alberta, to become an independent sovereign nation,” Payne, MP for Medicine Hat from 2008 to 2015, told the News on Wednesday before a Calgary press conference to outline the “Commonwealth of Alberta Delegation” plan.
He and several others have called on the province to hold an independence referendum next winter, while the group discerns interest from Washington, D.C. about its “level of support” for Alberta as either its own nation, or a U.S. territory or full state.
“Nobody, (Liberal Leader Mark) Carney or Pierre (Conservative Leader Poilievre) will change the constitution to fix the problems that we’re facing as a country,” Payne, now 80 years old, said. “We’ve been treated like farmers providing for the elite ever since we became a province.
“Personally I want (an independent Alberta) that could have ties with many other countries, including the United States.”
Readers reacted strongly to the story that gained national attention on Wednesday.
Cypress County resident Paul von Huene contacted the News to say he’s disappointed that a former member of parliament is advocating for a break with Canada.
“I don’t know how long the Oath of Allegiance (for MPs) is in effect, but I’d say he’s in breach,” Von Huene said.
Retired municipal land manager Keith Crush told the News, “This is a time for Canadians to support each other, not divide.”
James Finkbeiner, who ran for the UCP nomination in Cypress-Medicine Hat in 2023 and has worked in conservative media circles, said the group’s aims seem disjointed, and “joining the United States … is a complete non-starter.”
“I agree the rest of Canada will never open the Constitution and treat Alberta as an equal,” he said. “I just don’t think we’re anywhere near able to hold a referendum.”
Polls show that up to one-third of Albertans would consider “western separation,” but that falls to 15 per cent when the question involves joining the U.S., the highest in the country compared to 9 per cent nationally.
Premier Danielle Smith told the News on Tuesday her caucus “supports a strong Alberta within a united Canada,” but understands frustrations.
She said any referendum this year would come forth from a citizen-led ballot initiative, Barnes has called for an independence vote for more than five years since sitting on the Alberta Fair Deal Panel, where he offered a more strongly worded dissenting opinion.
That would be used as leverage to improve Canada’s relationship with the West, Barnes said Wednesday, but added that Payne should be given credit for pushing the issue.
However, he stressed, he would prefer his plan to stage a vote in two years and he doesn’t see joining the U.S. as an option the majority of Albertans would support.
“It’s clear how many Albertans want a different or better relationship with Canada, including a large number who want independence,” he told the News. “But let’s give Ottawa two years to give us a fair deal and let Albertans evaluate (it) in an independence referendum.
“Nothing moves unless it’s pushed, and it’s clear our politicians aren’t interested in changing the status quo … it’s an opportunity. People are talking.”
“People are perplexed by Trump, and I am too – who knows what he wants? – but this is about Alberta.”
Payne said he’s not deterred by criticism and is prepared to work for a referendum.
“I’ve been involved in various aspects of fighting things that have happened over the last number of years, starting with the COVID stuff, and I was a member of the Alberta Prosperity Project and Take Back Alberta,” he said.
“Combine those things and it makes me a bit of a rebel.”
Morons, traitors.
Only thing Payne was known for in Ottawa was being a pain in the ass heckler from the backbenches. Total useless MP. Same as Barnes in Edmonton
If this former politician doesn’t like remaining in Canada, he can leave. Nobody will miss him. Alberta will not separate from Canada.