Deepening interprovincial economic ties as a strategy against separatism
By
Trevor Tombe
Summary
The article argues that the debate over national unity and separatism in Alberta is too narrowly focused on federal transfer payments and equalization formulas, which frames confederation as a zero-sum financial ledger. Instead, the author contends that the case for national unity should be built on deepening economic ties between provinces, creating interdependence that makes separation less appealing and less viable. The piece suggests that rather than arguing over how to divide a fixed pie, policymakers should focus on growing the pie together through stronger interprovincial economic integration.
Source
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThis frames confederation as a financial ledger, where one side pays, and another receives.
The argument is about how to divide a fixed pie.
Much of the separatist case in Alberta rests on the claim that the federation does not deliver enough value to justify membership.
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