Brian Crossman: Alberta (and Saskatchewan?) Separation

From the column:

“The list of countries and empires that have broken up over that past several hundred years is not a short one. Sudan split into two countries by referendum in 2011. Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Egypt and Syria and many others. The Soviet Union, the British Empire are gone, the United States came close in 1861, and there is no promise that the republic will endure forever. Will Canada, or the world map look the same in 50 to 100 years? I’m betting not, and it seems pretty arrogant to think otherwise.”

Some may question why is this relevant to Saskatchewan? It is my understanding that recent polling showed support for separation a few weeks ago was 2 per cent higher in Saskatchewan than it is in Alberta. So it’s relevant.

Here’s a thought experiment which could turn into a column: If Alberta and possibly Saskatchewan were to separate – do they really need much of a military? To defend against who, the pot smokers of Vancouver? Do they need a navy? Nope. No water, unless they snag Prince Rupert and Kitimat – which could happen, if the rednecks invade the Left Coast. But even then, no real navy would be needed. Air force? Probably not much of one for that, either. Who are they going to bomb, Timmins, Ont? That’s a lot of money saved right there, on top of ditching equalization.