Alberta's Separatism Debate Joggles Summer Rodeo Scene
The world-famous Calgary Stampede, Canada's most famous event, begins on Friday. However a?push from Alberta separatists to start the process of separating from the country casts a shadow and causes division at rodeos in the oil-rich region. Alberta residents will vote in an October non-binding referendum on whether they want to stay?part? of Canada. This is the first time that a province other than Quebec has asked the public to decide the issue of separation. The organizers of a small rodeo in Sundre, central Alberta, cancelled the event after an online backlash erupted over a decision not to allow a pro independence Alberta float. The organizers did not reply to a question about the issue. The "let's chat" tent, sponsored by separatists in Alberta, attracted curious onlookers but annoyed those who wanted to enjoy the Canadian summer tradition without the political talk. Leanne Brown is a retired police officer who attended an event in Ponoka (some 150 km northeast of Sundre) and said, "I am tired of hearing about this because it just causes a lot people to get stressed or angry at each other without reason." "It is a bit too much, all the time." Chris Parsons, 44 who is in the oil and natural gas industry and supports Alberta independence said that he was glad to see separatists at the rodeo with a parade and booth.
Parsons stated, "Perhaps they (the federal governments) will take us more seriously." A?poll by Ipsos from early June showed that support for Alberta's independence had declined 10 points since January. Only 19% of voters said they now support the province starting?the required process to leave the Canadian Federation. The ballot question on October 19 will not trigger separation. Instead, it will ask residents whether the Alberta government should begin the legal process required by constitution to hold a binding referendum for independence.
CARNEY WILL ATTEND STAMPEDE. Those who are pushing for separation claim that they're unhappy with the environment policies promoted by Justin Trudeau, former prime minister of Canada's Liberal party. They believe these policies undermined the oil and gas industries in the province. Mark Carney, Trudeau’s successor as Liberal Prime Minister, is working to alleviate some of Alberta's complaints through a federal and provincial agreement that aims to help the province grow its industry. Carney confirmed that he would attend the Calgary Stampede this year, telling reporters the previous week that Canada is "the greatest country in the entire world." "We are not perfect. We can improve, but Canada is worth fighting for." Carney, who was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, said that it is important to stand up for Canada. Carney, who led the Bank of England when Britain held its referendum in 2016 to leave the European Union has called the vote held by Alberta's right-wing government a "dangerous blow." Ottawa is also concerned that the referendum may undermine Carney's efforts to lead a united Canadian face in the renegotiation the U.S. Mexico Canada trade agreement. Carney is in Alberta to celebrate?the Canada Day holiday. The Calgary Stampede, more than a rodeo or a celebration of Western Canadian culture, is a 10-day event. Alberta's biggest tourist event, the Calgary Stampede, is a city-wide celebration that allows everyone, from the youngest child to the most powerful CEO, to don cowboy boots, and participate in a variety of activities, including chuckwagon races, pancake breakfasts, concerts, and the world's largest outdoors rodeo.
Politicians of all stripes are known to attend Stampede and other Alberta summer festivals, which provide a natural opportunity for networking.
A spokeswoman for the event said that neither the pro-independence side nor the pro Canada side would have a parade float this year, since applications had closed in February. However, many Stampede events are unofficially hosted by politicians and community groups. The spokeswoman said that the Stampede is still focused on "bringing people closer together through Western hospitality, and community spirit." (Reporting from Amanda Stephenson, Calgary; and Timon Johnson, Ponoka. Editing by Caroline Stauffer and Paul Simao.
(source: Reuters)
