OTTAWA — Preston Manning, the former leader of the Reform Party, is cautioning that simply maintaining the current state of affairs in response to growing Alberta separation sentiment is "extremely unwise." In a recent interview, Manning emphasized that building a pipeline alone is not a sufficient answer to the province's grievances.
A Familiar Question
On the eve of the 1995 Quebec referendum, Manning rose in the House of Commons to ask the Liberal government how it might change to convince a "soft sovereigntist or a discontented federalist" to vote against leaving Canada. More than three decades later, he is posing the same question regarding Alberta.
"The question with respect to remain is: remain and do what?" Manning told the National Post. "That's the question that the remain people have to answer."
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has scheduled a referendum for October, asking Albertans whether they wish to remain part of Canada or begin the process of a binding vote on secession. Manning, now in his 80s, plans to vote to stay in Canada and believes that side will prevail. However, he stresses that his vote is not an endorsement of the status quo.
"It means remain and push this sovereignty option within the federation," he said.
Lessons from History
Manning draws parallels to his arguments with former Prime Minister Jean Chretien during the 1995 Quebec referendum. Chretien's position, Manning recalls, was that "the status quo is good enough." He argued that convincing Quebecers they had never had it so good would suffice. Manning believes this approach is flawed for Alberta today.
"Simply building a pipeline is not the complete answer," Manning stated. He warns that those who think the status quo is acceptable are mistaken. The Reform Party's historic cry of "The West wants in" has been dismissed by some separatists as a failed attempt to address Alberta's frustrations within the federation.
For those seeking to move past the October referendum, Manning offers a query: "Move on to do what?" He insists that meaningful change within the federation is necessary to address Alberta's concerns and prevent further separatist momentum.
