Teacher Resource List: Alberta Separatism & Canadian Federalism

Read broadly. Compare carefully. Decide for yourself. Education is your HUMAN RIGHT!

These resources are shared for educational and critical-thinking purposes. Inclusion does not equal endorsement.

Perspectives Commonly Shared by Alberta Separatists / UCP-Aligned Voices

These sources often emphasize Western alienation, economic grievances, and provincial autonomy.

Political Parties & Advocacy Groups

• Wildrose Independence Party of Alberta (WIPA) Focus: Alberta independence, sovereignty, referendums

• Alberta Prosperity Project Focus: Economic arguments for independence, “nation-building” plans

• Take Back Alberta Focus: Grassroots activism, provincial control, populist (cult-vibe) messaging

Media & Commentary

• Western Standard Opinion-heavy coverage focused on Western issues

• True North Conservative commentary and political analysis (includes conservative paywall too)

• Rebel News Activist journalism with strong ideological framing

Common Claims to Examine Critically

• Equalization payments “drain” Alberta

• Federal environmental policy targets Alberta unfairly

• Separation would immediately increase prosperity

• Ottawa ignores or exploits Western Canada

When reading: Watch for emotional language, selective statistics, and undefined comparisons.

Federalist, Constitutional, & Counter-Perspective Resources

These sources focus on legal realities, economic data, historical context, and reconciliation.

Government & Institutional Sources

• Government of Canada – Equalization Program How equalization actually works, who pays, who benefits

• Department of Justice Canada – Constitution Act Legal requirements for separation or constitutional change

• Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) Independent fiscal analysis

Academic & Policy Analysis

• Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP)

• Canada West Foundation

• Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy

• University of Calgary School of Public Policy

Journalism & Long-Form Analysis

• CBC News (Investigative & Explainers)

• The Globe and Mail (Policy & Economics sections)

• The Narwhal (environment & policy context)

Indigenous & Treaty Perspectives (Often Missing from Canadian Separatist Narratives)

• Assembly of First Nations (AFN)

• Treaty Commissioner Offices (Treaty 6, 7, 8)

• Yellowhead Institute

Key reality often ignored: Provinces cannot unilaterally separate land covered by treaties.

🧠 How to Use This List (Critical Thinking Checklist)

When comparing sources, ask:

• Who funds this organization?

• What language is used...informative or inflammatory?

• What evidence is cited,

  and what’s missing?

• Are counter-arguments acknowledged or dismissed?

• Are Indigenous treaty rights included or erased?

If one side refuses to acknowledge complexity...that’s a red flag.

Final Reminder

Understanding why people believe something is not the same as agreeing with it. Democracy only works when citizens are informed, not siloed.

Fear shrinks when transparency grows. Education is freedom. And Canadians are strong enough to handle the full picture.

Read ALL sides ALWAYS IN ALL WAYS. Then decide for yourself.