Mark Carney, Brookfield, and the Meeting of Premiers
Recently, Prime Minister-designate Mark Carney met with Canada’s provincial premiers. From an outside perspective, the meeting appeared less about national unity and more about laying the groundwork for what could be the deal of a lifetime for Brookfield Asset Management—a firm with deep ties to Carney himself. For many Western Canadians, particularly in Alberta, even this kind of backroom dealing might be more palatable than the complete neglect they experienced under Justin Trudeau. Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s cautious approach did little to inspire confidence either, and it’s unlikely that a Pierre Poilievre minority government would have been any more assertive.
ESG and the Corporate State
Carney is not just another politician—he’s one of the architects of the global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) movement. What was marketed as ethical capitalism has increasingly revealed itself as a corporatist shell game: one enriching asset managers and climate-focused bureaucrats, while imposing higher costs and lower standards of living on average Canadians. Brookfield Asset Management has been among the biggest beneficiaries, and most Canadians remain blissfully unaware of the long-term economic consequences.
The Media’s Narrative and the Illusion of Reasonableness
Legacy media in Canada has already begun the PR campaign: painting Carney as a balanced, reasonable leader trying to bridge divides. But this carefully curated image should concern Albertans. In political terms, a “reasonable” federal leader often signals a continuation of the status quo—slow decision-making, tepid reforms, and ongoing stagnation. For Alberta separatists, this period of federal inertia may be the most opportune time in decades to begin a soft secession movement—gradual, strategic, and precise.
What Is Soft Secession?
In the U.S., progressive states and cities have already pioneered their own versions of soft secession—complying with federal laws only when convenient and ignoring them when they conflict with local agendas. Alberta could take a similar path: shifting administrative control without overtly declaring independence. Yes, federal pushback is possible, but costly. And the memory of the truckers’ convoy should serve as a warning to Ottawa—hostility toward Alberta only fuels the fire of discontent.
The Carney Symbolism Problem in Alberta
To many Albertans, Mark Carney symbolizes a federal government that is tone-deaf to Western priorities. After years of economic frustration under Trudeau, many were shocked when voters re-elected the same party. That outcome left a bitter taste, reinforcing the feeling among Albertans that they’re politically and culturally unwelcome in Canada.
The Pension and Policing Roadblocks
One of the strangest hold-ups in Alberta’s autonomy debate is the question of pensions. Despite having the largest private-sector economy in the country—where pensions are ultimately funded by private contributions—there’s still hesitancy around separating from the federal pension system. But if Alberta were to stop paying federal taxes without sufficient representation, Ottawa’s ability to fund public pensions would be severely strained.
Another glaring contradiction: Alberta is still reliant on the RCMP for policing. How can a province seriously entertain secession while outsourcing its security to a federal agency? Establishing a provincial police force would be an essential step in asserting genuine autonomy.
Culture, Identity, and Realistic Sovereignty
Critics of Alberta autonomy often cite shared culture as a reason against separation. But culture alone doesn’t dictate sovereignty. Many post-Soviet states still share linguistic and cultural ties with Russia, just as Taiwan maintains historic ties with China—yet both assert unique identities. Soft secession doesn’t require abandoning culture; it simply requires self-determination and governance.
How Soft Secession Could Work in Practice
Soft secession doesn’t need a dramatic declaration. It can be phased in gradually:
- Year 1: Alberta withholds remittances to Ottawa pending federal negotiation.
- Year 2: Alberta begins accepting and issuing taxes in U.S. dollars.
- Year 3: Alberta allows companies to pay employees in U.S. currency.
This strategy forces Ottawa into a corner: either escalate with expensive enforcement—or accept de facto autonomy. Just as China has yet to invade Taiwan, and Russia may regret its military aggression in Ukraine, Ottawa would be wise not to provoke a province that feels like it has nothing left to lose.
Learning from Global Examples
Taiwan maintains peaceful trade with China while refusing political submission. Alberta could do the same with the rest of Canada—maintaining economic ties without being shackled by Ottawa’s regulations. History teaches us that secession movements are more likely to succeed when they don’t start with confrontation, but with competence.
The Broader Decline of Canadian Values
Underlying all of this is a broader spiritual and cultural erosion. Canada has drifted away from its Judeo-Christian foundation, embracing secular, state-driven ideologies that prioritize control over liberty. Atheistic states such as China, Singapore, and Japan offer prosperity—but at the cost of individual freedom. When God is removed from public life, politicians become the arbiters of morality, and society loses its anchor.
A Call to Purpose
If Alberta is to take a stand, it must do so with both conviction and clarity. Any meaningful autonomy movement must be built on a foundation of values, not just economic frustration. That foundation—rooted in justice, liberty, and truth—is best exemplified through the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Consider making Christ the center of your life today. Without Him, all movements, even those well-intentioned, risk losing their way.