Letter: Canada needs constitutional reforms to survive and thrive

By Letter to the Editor on May 27, 2025.

Dear editor,

The current bluster for Alberta separation after the Liberal victory in the recent federal election has challenging implications. A group of disenchanted Albertans refuse to accept the results and the current governance model, and they are promoting separation.

The process for separation has been clarified by the Supreme Court in The Clarity Act. Any vote for this option must be substantial, probably at least 60 per cent in support. The question must be clear and not ambiguous. The subsequent negotiations with the federal government, the provinces and indigenous peoples must result in a supporting vote of at least seven provinces with 50 per cent of the population, plus the federal government, to amend the constitution.

A failure in negotiations could trigger unilateral declaration of independence. Such a decision would be inconsistent with the “rule of law” and foolhardy. It is a high risk because the international community may refuse to recognize this declaration, and it would be very difficult to govern without this recognition. United States under President Trump would probably recognize the vote, but his term expires in three years.

The probability for a successful vote is not high at this time, but the effects of this process are consequential. Foreign investment for growth and development during such turmoil usually does not occur. It has been commented that Quebec still hasn’t fully recovered economically from its two referendums.

A more common-sense response to these results has been signalled by Quebec to the rest of Canada since the Sixties [the beginning of the Quiet Revolution]. Canada needs constitutional reforms. Their ambitions have not changed, but now clearly other provinces have their reasons to support Quebec.

The Acts of 1867 and 1982 are inadequate for today’s realities. Ottawa is failing the provinces/regions. A new model must give provinces/regions more control over their governance and with the taxing powers. Ottawa has to be down sized to have limited authority over macro issues like national security and criminal law.

Provincial legislation will not suffice to effect the necessary changes in ongoing governance. These changes must be included in a constitution, and which have been approved by the provinces and by Canadians through a referendum. This way political parties cannot make changes unilaterally to suit their ideology or policies.

Canadians have a choice. Either continue with the current failing model and experience the probable undesirable consequences, or commence the process for constitutional reforms so that Canada survives and thrives as a nation.

Larry Samcoe

Medicine Hat

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