Western Separatism is as Canadian as Maple Syrup

Monday May 12, 2025

Western alienation is as rooted in Canada's history as Quebec's separatist movements. Just like Quebec's push for independence, the West has long expressed dissatisfaction with Ottawa, hinting at separation due to deep economic and cultural grievances.

Yves-François Blanchet recently suggested that Alberta develop a culture beyond oil and gas, underlining how grievances fuel separatist movements. History shows us that both cultural and economic issues drive such sentiments, as seen with America's split from Britain and the UK's exit from the EU.

The famous Canadian Milch Cow cartoon by the great Arch Dale in 1915 symbolizes the West's economic frustrations, still relevant today. (It’s truly a work of art, which I wish was iconic to Canadians as “Plum Pudding in danger” is to Brits, or “Join, or Die” is to Americans, but I digress.) A major tension point is the struggle to move oil from source to tidewater, with Alberta and Saskatchewan feeling blocked by other provinces, feeding the alienation narrative.

(Friday May 26, 2006 - In 2005, Alberta Premier Ralph Klein threatened to withdraw Alberta from the federal equalization program, arguing against other provinces benefiting from Alberta's oil resources. He proposed giving surplus wealth back to residents as a "resource rebate." However, political experts noted that Klein's threat was more talk than action since equalization funds come from federal taxes, not Alberta's money.)

(Tuesday October 22, 2019 - After the 2019 federal election, there was hope that the Trudeau Liberals would be replaced by a government similar to Harper's, one that prioritized getting oil to market over achieving net-zero emissions, reflecting the policies in place earlier in the decade.)

After the 2019 election, hopes rose for a government focused on oil markets over environmental goals. However, as past movements show, Western separatism isn't new. It's rooted in a cultural identity that persists despite changes in government.

Expecting Mark Carney to quickly resolve these sentiments might be unrealistic. Western grievances, especially about oil, are deeply embedded and reflect the complex nature of Canada’s confederation. Addressing them is crucial to strengthening the unity that binds our diverse nation.

Substack is an invaluable platform for me, especially given the uncertainties that come with being a staff editorial cartoonist. While I remain optimistic about my future, I am acutely aware of the unfortunate layoffs and newspaper closures that have impacted many talented colleagues in our field. Please Enjoy the making of my May 13, 2025 editorial cartoon below and thank you for your continued support!