We normally just share letters-to-the-editor in the magazine, but as these two letters are about the Alberta Referendum, and as that vote will happen before the next magazine lands, it was important to share these now, when they could still help Alberta readers weighing their options.
These are a both a response to one of the two articles on the Referendum we published in the Sept/Oct issue, Harma-Mae Smit’s “Should Alberta separate? Why one Christian decided to vote no.” Readers interested in the topic might want to check out the other as well, my own “Alberta separatism: Is it wrong to go?“
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Dear Editor,
I appreciate that the article “Should Alberta Separate?” (Sept/Oct issue) tries to be balanced and present both sides, but there is more to be said.
The Alberta independence movement first became prominent in 1980, shortly after the infamous National Energy Program (NEP) was implemented. In that case, as a direct result of deliberate federal Liberal policy, large numbers of businesses were forced under, many people lost their homes, and thousands of people lost their jobs. Alberta’s economy was devasted – not as a result of a foreign power, not as a result of a natural disaster, but due to deliberate and malicious government policy. You can still find people today who can tell you of their own family’s losses from the NEP.
The current Liberal government’s policies have also harmed Alberta significantly, although not to the same extent as Pierre Trudeau’s government. But the damage is very considerable nonetheless. According to a January 2025 headline on EnergyNow.ca, “An Estimated $670 Billion of Investment Lost in Ditched Resource Projects Since Trudeau Became Prime Minister.” Not all of that money would have been invested in Alberta, but much would have been. By prohibiting energy development, the Liberal government is trying to incrementally phase out Alberta’s major industry, without the consent of Albertans.
Jeremiah 29:7 says, “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Of course, we are not in captivity in Babylon, but I think the principle is still valid. We should seek the welfare of our communities. Since for many years the greatest opponent of Alberta’s welfare has been Canada’s federal government, many of us believe our community would be better served as an independent country.
Over the last few federal elections, Albertans have sought relief from this peril by voting against the Liberal government. But support for the Liberals is rock-solid in other parts of the country, so Albertans have no hope through this avenue. Thankfully, Canada has a constitutional and legal process for provinces to become independent. This is a peaceful and democratic option that is valid for Christians to support.
Seeking the welfare of our community is not greedy, or selfish, or threatening grievous harm, or the result of bad motives, or inconsiderate of orphans and widows. It’s fulfilling a biblical mandate to benefit our fellow citizens. That’s what this debate is about.
Michael Wagner
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Dear Editor,
I’m responding to Harma Mae Smit’s “Should Alberta Separate?”. I appreciate this topic being addressed in the magazine because it seems to be one churches in general are ignoring. Too political, we’ve been told.
In her article, Smit focuses mainly on the economic side of independence. Or about being “treated unfairly.” Smit spends a lot of time in her article dealing with her husband’s comments that the independence movement is about money. But that is a very shallow understanding of the grievances many Christians have.
Granted, Alberta has been stifled economically and has not been treated fairly within Confederation and this has caused a lot of resentment and discontent among Albertans. However, if we are to address this issue as Christians, our focus cannot simply be on fair economics.
As Smit also points out, we are groaning – Christians are groaning under ungodly laws and rules and rulers. Smit then states that it would take great effort to build a new nation. Yes, it would take effort, but God does not call us to an easy and quiet life, but to a faithful life which includes pushing back and speaking out against the evils of this world, doing what we can to honor God, including maybe even a move to an independent Alberta.
Canada as a nation has forgotten and abandoned the Christian ideals it was founded on. Canada is euthanizing its vulnerable citizens. Canada is aborting children freely. Canada is pushing a sexual agenda that is not in line with God’s Word. Canada is censoring speech. Canada is propping up lies daily and making annual remembrances of them. Canada loves bureaucracy and steals from its citizens. Canada is becoming Marxist. Is that worth defending and keeping for the sake of the unity of a country that once was?
We personally have about given up on Canada. We no longer want to support what it has become. And we say this knowing our home and country here are not eternal and they should not be treated as such objects of our loyalty that our loyalty becomes blind.
Deanna Doornbos