A recent letter to the editor criticizes Premier Smith for misrepresenting the Forever Canada petition in her push for a referendum on separation. The writer, Patricia Paradis of Edmonton, argues that Smith incorrectly cited 700,000 Albertans as wanting a referendum, conflating signatures from both pro- and anti-separation petitions.
Forever Canada Petition's True Purpose
Paradis explains that she signed the Forever Canada petition because she believes in a unified Canada that includes Alberta. The petition's goal, as repeatedly affirmed by organizer Thomas Lukasuk, was to have the legislature debate the issue without wasting taxpayer dollars on a referendum. Most of the 400,000-plus signatories likely shared this view, not a desire for separation.
Questionable Pro-Separation Signatures
The 300,000 signatures on the pro-separation petition have never been verified. Additionally, concerns about the legitimacy of those signatures arise from the improper use of the Alberta electors list by the Centurion Project. Using the 700,000 number to justify a divisive, expensive, and unjustified referendum is misleading and beneath the premier's office.
Protect Edmonton's Trees from Developers
In another letter, Patricia Hartnagel of Edmonton criticizes developers for opposing new landscaping standards. She argues that developers currently create barren moonscapes and whine about administrative burdens. Mature trees are often the first casualties of infill projects, and the city must enforce realistic standards reflecting the crucial role of trees in neighborhoods.
Federalism Ensures Fairness
A third letter responds to an article on OAS imbalance and Alberta separatism. The writer notes that separatists want out due to perceived unfair treatment, but federalism is based on fairness. A strong federal government redistributes wealth to ensure similar living standards across regions. Given Alberta's visible development, it is hard to believe the province is hard done by, and an independent Alberta would likely struggle to secure pipeline access to tidewater.
