The Real Reason Holding Albertans Back.

For many Albertans, the thought of independence can trigger real sadness and grief, or maybe even anger or rebellion toward those seeking separation. The reason is simple: many Albertans feel deeply Canadian and they love Canada. They grew up singing O Canada, cheering for Team Canada in the Olympics, remembering where they were when Terry Fox ran, or when Wayne Gretzky was traded. They love Canada’s role as a peace-keeper, or the Canadian brand abroad: “just sew a Canadian flag on your backpack and you’ll be fine”. These are not just political symbols, they are touchstones of belonging. The red and white maple leaf, the shared stories of sacrifice in war, the national parks, the feeling of a vast and welcoming land, the romantic history of a land of nature, peace, and bounty: all these live in memory and sentiment. The prospect of independence raises the question: if Alberta leaves, what does it mean to lose that identity? And for some, they might never support independence because they cannot give up that sense of belonging.
In truth, the thought of losing Canadian identity may feel like a death. It represents the severing of bonds with a country that shaped their childhood, provided opportunities, and formed their sense of home. People will grieve this loss, perhaps moving through the painful stages of denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, and finally, perhaps, acceptance –- or perhaps not. But that grief is real, and should be acknowledged. To pretend there is no loss dishonors the lived experiences of Albertans who love their country, even while resenting its politics.
At the same time, Alberta has always had its own identity, distinct within Canada. It was shaped by a breed of homesteading immigrants from the United States and Europe who, unlike those who settled eastern Canada, came not just seeking land but seeking escape from old-world authority. This frontier mix created a culture of freedom and self-reliance, suspicion of centralized control, and a strong sense of independence. Many Albertans still feel greater cultural kinship with the western United States than with Eastern Canada. This cultural background helps explain the province’s ongoing tensions with Ottawa and its drive to chart its own course. From the wide prairie sky to the rugged Rockies, from the oilpatch to the family farm, Albertans carry a particular character: independent, resourceful, hard-working, and proud. And, after separation, it might be that Albertans gravitate to this traditional Alberta identity.
But there is also the possibility of a blended identity. Independence might be an opportunity to build on Alberta’s existing character: creating an identity that is uniquely Albertan while honoring its rich Canadian history. This identity would be more focused and self-determined; still carrying the Canadian heritage, but also founding something new, strong, and free. Just as Irish Americans or Scottish Canadians carry dual legacies, Albertans may continue to carry Canadian memories and pride while building a separate Alberta nationhood. Dual citizenship arrangements, shared history, and cultural exchange may soften the edges of separation, allowing people to retain what they love about Canada while embracing what is unique about Alberta. Over time, the next generation may grow up seeing themselves first and foremost as Albertans, but with no need to reject the Canadian heritage of their parents and grandparents.
For independence to succeed emotionally, it would be essential to create new symbols and rituals that bind people together in their Alberta identity. A flag, an anthem, national holidays, and stories of founding moments would help people transfer their loyalties without feeling they have lost all moorings. At the same time, honoring the past by recognizing veterans, celebrating Canadian contributions, and telling the truth about the long journey that brought Alberta to this point, could prevent independence from feeling like a betrayal.
At its heart, the question of identity is not about flags or passports, but about belonging. If I leave Canada, do I have to give up all things Canadian? Can I hold onto the old things I love and embrace the new things I love? The answer to this is found only in the heart of each Albertan. People want to know: Where do I belong? Who claims me, and whom do I claim in return? If independence is to succeed, it must offer answers that are authentic, that affirm both the grief of loss and the promise of renewal. To do otherwise is to underestimate the profound emotional weight of what is at stake.