Conservative MPs are being asked to speak up on separatism, with some louder than others. Rather than issuing a joint statement, Conservative MPs have so far settled on putting their own touches on Pierre Poilievre's message for Canadian unity in Alberta.
Toews Urges Public Statements
Former Alberta finance minister Travis Toews says it is important for federal Conservatives in Alberta to publicly state their position about remaining a part of Canada, but acknowledged there are various levels of comfort in entering the debate in the party's caucus.
Toews, who previously served in Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's United Conservative Party government, is among former politicians from the province campaigning on the stay side for the fall referendum, which asks whether Albertans wish to remain part of Canada or begin the process of holding a binding vote on separating.
As for the role to be played by the province's MPs, 33 out of 37 hail from the Conservatives, Toews said the number one most important thing is that all state their position in support of Alberta remaining within Confederation.
That alone is significant, he said. And you know, there will be various levels of comfort in entering the debate.
MPs Share Positions
Since Smith announced plans to put an independence question on a set of referendums she is holding this October, Conservative MPs have begun sharing their positions, on social media, in messages to constituents and in statements to reporters, including local ones. Some have been more vocal than others.
David McKenzie, Conservative MP for Calgary Signal Hill, in a statement addressed to constituents on Monday, vowed to spend the months ahead making the case for Canada and outlined what he saw as the major difficulties in the province leaving the federation. McKenzie countered arguments made by those campaigning for separatism by noting that Alberta, a resource-exporting province, has four land borders and by warning of the significant new expenses it would incur by leaving by taking on tax collection and defence.
It is important to recognize the significant amount of uncertainty that a secession decision would have with our relationship with the United States, wrote McKenzie.
As an independent country surrounded by Canada and the United States, the pressure to become part of the United States would be significant. The unpredictability of current U.S. leadership – particularly given our energy reserves – is a factor we cannot ignore. Even for those who favour separation, consideration must be given to a scenario where joining the U.S. would become unavoidable (or imposed) if we separate.
Tom Kmiec, another Conservative MP from Calgary, wrote in his own post that he understands the frustrations Albertans have, but cautioned against turning to separation, saying that it does not fix any of the province's longstanding issues, but trades a fight we can win for a gamble we cannot undo.
John Barlow, who represents the rural riding of Foothills, which runs from the outskirts of Calgary to near the Canada-U.S. boundary, recently told the Western Wheel newspaper that he believes in a strong Alberta as part of a united Canada.
