Letter: Thoughts on Independent Alberta Tour

By Letter to the Editor on March 5, 2026.

Dear editor,

For all her seasonal bluster, Mother Nature’s crummy behaviour Friday did not deter those interested in attending the Independent Alberta Tour at Medicine Hat College. I left the event comfortable an independent Alberta is at least worthy of some examination.

Inside the theatre, there were strong opinions, but I continue to marvel at the even-keel vibe during what are potentially volatile conversations. This was not a gathering of ranting and raving political zealots. In fact, the knowledge and life experience was palpable.

Frustration and disillusionment at federal policy should not surprise anyone. This was a group that knows full well how the province of Quebec has leveraged the threat of separation to its own fiscal advantage for the better part of 50 years.

For the same reason, Quebec is perhaps owed a measure of thanks because its efforts to separate have actually provided the framework, a “how to guide”, for Albertans.

The process associated with separation is not new. Indeed, the Clarity Act exists. Ezra Levant began the proceedings by inviting protesters inside the theatre, encouraging them to take the guest speakers to task by asking them tough, thoughtful questions.

There were no takers.

Levant made a few poignant comments. Of note, he was emphatic that “if you believe in free speech, you have to be willing to give it to your opponent, too.” Yes. We do.

Yet much evidence exists that many on the left prefer to attempt to silence opinions and ideas they disagree with, all the while droning on about the importance of free speech.

“Feelings over facts,” opined Tamara Lich.

The group I watched expressing its dismay prior to the event was generally polite, thankfully void of the antics so often prevalent on Canadian campuses. The choice seems clear. Seek out people who are willing to engage in productive, fact-based discussion, then hope everyone makes what they believe to be an informed decision at the ballot box.

Or strap yourself in for a few months of “Project Fear,” the phrase coined by Sheila Gunn Reid to describe impending messages Albertans can expect to hear about an independent Alberta. (“Project” can be pronounced two ways to aptly describe what we can expect to experience.)

Whether the Independent Alberta movement gains the traction required to secure a majority “Yes” vote remains to be seen.

In the meantime, I hope all Albertans are at least open to doing some homework.

Glen Erickson

Medicine Hat

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