Jim Dinning and Travis Toews, two of Alberta's most prominent former finance ministers, have joined forces to launch a new initiative called 'Lead, Not Leave,' aimed at keeping Alberta strong within Canada. The group's founding letter, released this week, calls on the Alberta government to refrain from holding a referendum on separation and instead concentrate on advancing credible policy proposals that benefit the province within the federation.
Background of the Signatories
Dinning served as finance minister under Premier Ralph Klein in the 1990s, playing a key role in balancing Alberta's budget. He later became a prominent business leader and served as chancellor of the University of Calgary. Toews was Alberta's finance minister from 2019 to 2023 and introduced fiscal guardrails requiring future governments to balance budgets, with certain exceptions. He also ran for the United Conservative Party leadership in 2022, finishing second to Premier Danielle Smith.
The Lead, Not Leave Initiative
The initiative's founding letter emphasizes that while Alberta has legitimate grievances with Ottawa, separation is not a viable or credible solution. Instead, the group advocates for policies already outlined in the energy memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by Premier Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney in November. These include building a new West Coast oil pipeline and other measures to boost economic growth.
Dinning expressed concern that without fixing processes and policies hindering economic growth, Canada's national flag could become 'tattered and torn.' He added that he hopes the initiative will address the frustrations driving support for separatism and convince Albertans that Canada is not a lost cause. Toews echoed this sentiment, stating that Alberta's best future lies within Canada.
Context of the Separation Debate
Last week, Premier Smith announced that a question on separation would be included in a referendum scheduled for October, potentially initiating a legal process for a binding vote on whether Alberta should leave Canada. The 'Lead, Not Leave' group argues that focusing on the energy MOU and other economic initiatives would make the reasons for a referendum 'melt away.'
Dinning, a self-described patriotic Canadian, said he understands the anger behind separatism but hopes to provide a constructive alternative. Toews emphasized that the group is not criticizing frustrated Albertans but rather offering a path forward that strengthens Alberta within Canada.
