Eastern Reactions to Alberta’s Sovereignty Movement Prove the Point: We Exist Solely for Their Convenience

A Question of Dominion, Not Unity

The outrage from Eastern Canada at Alberta’s rising separatist sentiment reveals an uncomfortable truth—one Albertans have suspected for decades, but is now undeniable: we exist not as equal partners in Confederation, but as a convenient colony, economically vital yet politically disposable.

Suddenly, democracy—a term regularly celebrated and defended—is considered radical or dangerous. Canadians loudly applaud democracy as the foundation of our society until Alberta dares to propose exercising it in a meaningful and substantial way. Then, suddenly, it becomes "reckless," "divisive," and "unpatriotic." The selective application of democratic principles makes one wonder:

Did Quebec face such harsh criticisms when it pursued sovereignty in the 1980s and ’90s?

Was it ridiculed, mocked, and openly dismissed? Or was Quebec treated with caution, respect, and given room to voice its grievances?

The stark contrast speaks volumes. Alberta, apparently, does not merit the same courtesy.

A Question of Dominion, Not Unity

The angry responses from Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal over Alberta’s assertion of sovereignty are revealing. They illustrate not a sincere concern for national unity, but instead a deep-seated fear of losing dominion over Alberta’s resources. After all, Canada as it exists today depends significantly on Alberta’s economic output to subsidize national programs and policies that often disadvantage Alberta itself. If Alberta decides to reconfigure its relationship within Canada—or leave entirely—the financial and political stability of the nation would be seriously jeopardized.

This explains the urgency with which Eastern politicians, media, and elites rush to diminish Alberta’s grievances. To them, Alberta’s sovereignty isn’t about democratic principles or self-determination—it’s an existential threat to the status quo that benefits them immensely.

A Warning Sign for Indigenous Sovereignty

But Alberta is not alone in its struggle against a federal system that demands compliance and obedience while offering little meaningful autonomy. Indigenous peoples across Canada have faced even harsher oppression, subjugation, and exploitation. The federal government claims to recognize the importance of reconciliation, yet actions speak louder than words. The state of Indigenous communities nationwide remains dire, with rampant poverty, an epidemic of addiction and suicide, and countless communities still waiting decades for something as fundamental as clean drinking water.

At current rates, it’s tragically plausible that the federal government will establish medically assisted dying (MAID) services in every Indigenous community before ensuring clean water or meaningful economic independence. Such twisted priorities underscore how profoundly broken the current federal-Indigenous relationship is.

And yet, any attempt by Indigenous communities to assert genuine sovereignty—to renegotiate treaties, reclaim resource rights, and take control of child welfare and governance—is met with resistance, ridicule, and bureaucratic sabotage. Indigenous sovereignty poses the same threat to Ottawa’s control as Alberta’s potential sovereignty does: a risk that others will see that genuine autonomy and self-determination are possible.

What Is Really at Stake?

Why is Alberta’s sovereignty movement so frightening to the Canadian political establishment? The answer lies in the threat it poses to the foundational myths Canada relies upon. If Alberta successfully renegotiates—or even exits—Confederation, other provinces, regions, and especially Indigenous nations would rightfully question their own place within Canada. The carefully maintained illusion of Canadian unity and fairness would unravel. People across the country would begin to ask hard questions about what Canada actually offers them, versus what it takes away.

If Alberta can demand better terms, why not Saskatchewan, or the northern territories, or Indigenous nations seeking control of their own lands and destinies? This domino effect terrifies Ottawa, which depends upon centralized power and the obedient cooperation of regions and peoples who have long since outgrown the current, exploitative federal structure.

Our Place in Confederation: Economic Lifeblood or Equal Partner?

Eastern Canada’s disdainful attitude toward Alberta reveals a truth many wish to deny: that Alberta’s role within Canada has never truly been about partnership or equality. It has always been about supplying the financial lifeblood that enables federal programs benefiting the East, and doing so without complaint or political agency. Alberta’s role is economic, not political. Ottawa and the Eastern provinces expect Alberta to pay quietly, produce endlessly, and stay obediently out of national affairs that might inconvenience the established order.

But Albertans—and Indigenous nations—are awakening to this reality, and they’re increasingly unwilling to continue playing the game by these unfair rules.

A Moment of Opportunity for Indigenous Peoples

As Albertans question their role in Canada, Indigenous peoples should take notice. The current tensions present perhaps the greatest opportunity in generations for Indigenous nations to assert their own sovereignty. The threat of Alberta’s independence is also a profound opportunity for Indigenous communities to demand a new deal. It’s a chance to revisit treaties that have been consistently dishonoured for a century and a half and negotiate genuine land ownership, economic self-determination, control over child welfare, and real, meaningful autonomy.

Why dismiss such an opportunity? Have Indigenous peoples become so accustomed to colonial oppression that when a genuine chance for change arises, it is met with hesitation or skepticism?

The reaction from Eastern Canada, particularly Ottawa, underscores just how threatening true sovereignty—whether provincial or Indigenous—is to the established order. Ottawa has demonstrated repeatedly that it will not willingly relinquish control. Genuine change won’t come from more of the same promises, committees, or superficial apologies. It will require determined, concerted effort and strategic alliances, such as aligning Indigenous sovereignty movements with Alberta’s push for autonomy.

Where Do We Go from Here?

Albertans—and Indigenous peoples—must recognize that real change requires standing firm against the ridicule, fear-mongering, and condescension from Ottawa and Eastern provinces. Unity within Confederation should never mean unquestioned obedience or acceptance of systemic injustice.

The federal government’s consistent failures—from ignoring Alberta’s grievances to perpetuating Indigenous poverty—prove that it is incapable or unwilling to change the fundamental structures of domination. It is up to Albertans and Indigenous communities to demand and secure meaningful change.

Let the Eastern critics rage; their reaction confirms the necessity of Alberta’s movement for greater autonomy and the imperative for Indigenous nations to seek true sovereignty. The future of our peoples cannot—and should not—be dictated by a federal government more interested in maintaining control than in fostering genuine democracy, equality, and self-determination.

Alberta’s quest for sovereignty is not an anomaly. It’s a sign of deeper dissatisfaction felt by many who have been marginalized or exploited by Ottawa. Indigenous communities, long silenced and ignored, should see this as an invitation to assert their rights and demand a new, fairer Confederation—or something entirely new.

Because one thing is clear: at the current pace, the federal government will likely install MAID services in every Indigenous community before delivering clean drinking water, and Indigenous peoples will still not own even one acre of their ancestral lands.

Is that really the best we can hope for? Or can we, together, finally seize the chance to rewrite our futures?

Darren Grimes