Unemployment Rates Historical Comparison East VS. West

Unemployment Rates Historical Comparison East VS. West

https://youtu.be/ASYn_YlgYM4

Last week we looked at poverty and the middle-class, and how they relate to Canadians. Now we are going to take a look at a subject that ties in these previous articles. Unemployment directly affects poverty and homelessness. In Canada, our governments could be doing much more to help this problem, federal, provincial, and municipal. Before getting into solutions, taking a look at the facts and stats around unemployment in Canada is necessary. 

Tradingeconimcs.com has some really great information in regards to this subject. They describe the unemployment rates as the “number of people actively looking for a job as a percentage of the labour force.” In other words, this means that it is measuring the amount of people who are able to work, who are of age, and yet are unemployed, in Canada this includes 15 year-olds. Most recently October 2019, showed Canadian unemployment rates at 5.5% which has been fairly consistent since July bouncing between 5.5% and 5.7%. Canada did see a loss of 1, 800 full time positions, but then replaced those with 14,300 part time jobs. Which is a trend happening around the world, replacing full time jobs with part time jobs. This means that more people have jobs, leading to lower unemployment rates, but leading to lower paying jobs, meaning more poverty, or struggling families. Since 1966 Canada has averaged an unemployment rate of 7.62%. In December 1982 this was at its highest rate of 13.10%, which was due to policies and economic decisions made in the United States. The lowest rate recorded falls in at 2.90% in June of 1966. Which means our current rates are below average, but it does vary across the country and across job sectors. Canada saw drops in the manufacturing, warehousing, construction, and transportation areas, but a significant increase in administrative, finance, insurance, real estate, rental, leasing, and agricultural employment. We also saw differences based upon age, ages 15-24 saw no changes, but 24-55 year-old workers dropped in employment, while those aged 55 and over increased in employment. Not quite the shift I expected, but considering the manual labour job loss, it should not come as a real surprise. 

If we look at Stats Canada, we can see how these rates are dependant upon the province and territory one lives in. As of the summer the stats were as follows, nationally 5.7% was the average. The provincial breakdown: BC 4.3%, Alberta, 6.7 %, Saskatchewan 5.2%, Manitoba 5%, Ontario, 5.2%, Quebec 5%, New Brunswick 7.2%, PEI 9%, Nova Scotia 6.5%, Newfoundland and Labrador 12.4%. These numbers vary depending on how diversified each province is in their economy. Maritime provinces tend to rely on many seasonal jobs, and so they end up with higher rates depending on the season, otherwise many will leave for other provinces to work in the off-season. In the territories we see Yukon with 2.7%, NWT with 7.3%, and Nunavut with 14.1%. Yukon has more Ocean access and the ability to help in BC with forestry/fishery jobs, whereas NWT and Nunavut do not have these options, and are far more spread out in population bases, increasing the unemployment numbers. A good way around this issue, is for provinces and territories to diversify their economies, so when one commodity crashes, they have others to fall back on. Compared to other developed countries, Canada ranks middle of the pack in unemployment rate success. Switzerland leads the pack with 2.2% unemployment, and South Africa comes in at the bottom with 29.1%, which also reflects poverty rates in these countries. 

If we then take a closer look at the situation with the territories, conferenceboard.ca has great reasoning behind their issue. They claim to have 2 factors behind the higher than national average unemployment rates. One is that southern workers travel up north to take the higher-paying jobs that take more skill, but they do not stay to live there. The same problem the west sees with workers from the Maritimes. The second comes in the form of “economic expansion”, this has pushed more people from the north to search for jobs, but not all will be able to locate a job, resulting in more unemployment. Yukon, thankfully has avoided these issues, maintaining one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada. 

They do also provide information on how unemployment rates can vary depending on immigration status. In 2018, those born in Canada had a 5.2% unemployment rate, newly landed immigrants were at 6.1%, immigrants landed less than 5 years were at 9.4%, immigrants landed within 5-10 years were at 6.4%, and Immigrants who have lived here for more than 10 years were sitting at 5.3%. I do have an issue with these stats though. First of all, immigrants who come to Canada need to be able to support themselves and not rely on tax pay dollars to keep them afloat, these numbers simply raise our countries unemployment stats. Secondly, if they cannot maintain a job in Canada, then they should not be allowed to remain in Canada. We have a lot of homelessness and poverty in Canada, so returning people who are not working back home help us to support those who truly need the help and are Canadians. This would apply for anyone who does not have a citizenship. 

During Stephen Harper’s time as Prime Minister the country did fairly well economically, with the exception of the 2008-09 recession, in which Canada was hit less hard than the United States. Our unemployment rate hit 8.3% but since we seemed better prepared, Canada was able to not be struck as hard as the United States, who were bleeding jobs up to a total of 2.6 million jobs, according to CNN Money. Too many lost jobs in both countries, but Canada’s preparation helped the country to rebound quicker and to help other countries try to rebound. However long term the US has been able to recover to lower unemployment rates, having the US rates drop to as low as 4.9%. Canada was able to recover in a short amount of time after this, mainly due to the quick thinking of Stephen Harper, who was able to get a trade deal with China, which shortened the recovery period, although some might say China is a terrible partner to support. Then when moved forward to 2016, when Justin Trudeau was in his second year as Prime Minister, rates dropped again, which has a lot to do with failed promises, harmful bills, and failed projects. One such failure would be the $4.5 billion purchase of the Kinder Morgan pipeline, which then got sidelined by the Vancouver area blocked it from going through and had it upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada (Huffington Post) Another threat would come in the form of Bill C-69, which makes a lot more red-tape in place for any future pipelines; it has been deemed the “Pipeline Killer”, according to Global News. The purchase and failure to proceed as planned with the pipeline to the BC coast, and a bill making it difficult to complete oil projects, made it very tough for the West and cost many jobs and a lot of money. Atlantic jobs were affected by this as well. Another factor in this was a struggle to recover after the oil price crashed in 2014, which has taken years to try to rebound from, a struggle that still shows today, hindered further by Federal environmental laws. To further read into this, check out conferenceboard.ca. 

Unemployment rates due to economic crashes, like in Alberta, can cause a spike in poverty and homelessness rates, which we have seen in the west. I won’t get too far into this topic though, as I have a whole previous article dedicated to that, (https://authortonypeters.blogspot.com/2019/11/keep-foreign-aid-money-in-canada.html and https://authortonypeters.blogspot.com/2019/11/trudeau-considering-supplying-vancouver.html). I will say that in 2017 Stats Canada placed 3.4 million or 9.5% of Canadians below the poverty line, which is not very clear, but they say the line is $25,000/year for single adults, but $40,000 for families, which seems low to me. Wages tend to play a big role in this, especially since so many people are having to work 2 jobs to make a living. The part time job trend has made this more pronounced. The wage of an average Canadian is $25.55, but this can be a hard stat to set with Salaries, self-employment, farming, and contract work. 

When looking to set up a policy around employment, a lot of factors must be considered, as there will always be some unemployment, largely in part to people moving to find jobs, shifting between workplaces, or a change in career. Canadians tend to have the highest rates of moving between cities and provinces to move to a labour mobility, according to conferenceboard.ca. The goal that should be kept in mind for policy setting, is to motivate all eligible workers in Canada to be able to find a job, no matter where in the country they are located. When families and locations have longer periods of unemployment it destroys and tears apart families and communities, so these periods need to be acted upon quickly. This has been the situation in the west and Prime Minister Trudeau has not followed through on promises to help the west fix this problem. The west supplied thousands of jobs for eastern workers in their oil boom, but when government policy destroyed this market the easterners flooded back east, an option that westerners are left without. CBC estimated these workers as being 20%, or 1700 people up to 10,000 at one point.  Yet the east has then criticized and hindered their progress to try to recover and diversify. Another factor that could be looked at is technology. When new tech hits the market it often cuts out jobs, leading to a spike in unemployment, but as people receive training for the new tech, the rates drop, as people get jobs working with the new technology. This creates short-term unemployment spikes, followed by longer term employment spikes. There are times, however, when new tech actually destroys a sector and takes it over, resulting in devastating job loss rates, that will struggle to recoup, so when implementing new technology, caution must be exercised to avoid unemployment because of technological automation. 

When an area has low unemployment rates, employers will struggle to find employees and wages are going to be higher, making it harder for employers to get by. High wages can also boom the housing market, making it harder to buy a home due to the inflation. Can areas really control this though? On one hand they could, but should they? A boom does have to end at some point, often times with a crash, rather than the preferred gradual decline. Which is devastating; but being able to provide jobs for a long period of time is important, meaning that preventing the boom is counter-productive. The best way to deal with the situation, is to diversify, find ways of bringing in other economic opportunities while the boom is on, that way when a crash does happen, the area has other sectors to depend on. Not everything is within a community or countries control however, a lot of this results from global and neighbouring countries globalization. American decisions affect our country greatly, and more recently, the decisions of the globe’s environmentally brain-washed movement. 

History tells of mistakes made in this regard, but also tells of successes. Provides educational opportunities in what not to do, as well as what to do. Listening to these lessons, can guide Canada through economic struggle, to help make Canada prosperous again. This does require governments that will listen. Our government cares not what happens in the west, which has made recovery, which the west is working at on their own, more challenging. All levels of government should assist areas that are struggling, not ignoring one half of the country and helping one province that has had it’s struggles. The whole country needs to be economically stable to lower unemployment rates and the rates of poverty. If we continue to have governments that ignore this, Canada will be led into further disaster. Work together to come up with a solution for the country as a whole. United we stand. Unify the West. 

Written in collaboration with Spencer Mathews

Unify The West Server https://discord.gg/rBKxjD3

Unify The West Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/443787693008469/

Downing Makes Bold Statement

Downing Makes Bold Statement

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOKPSoOjTdY&t=1s

On November 2nd, 2019, Peter Downing, founder of the Wexit Movement, held a Wexit rally in Edmonton. Many people have expressed concerns brought to light by this rally. Leadership seems to be a concern, as well as direction. These concerns came about by the lack of focus the rally held and how the speakers did not seem to be on point and were somewhat scattered in their approaches. Peter Downing himself had been drinking beer before, during, and after his speech, which raised more than a few eyebrows, according to some of the people in attendance. It drew comments like, “Makes us look like drunk rednecks.” An indication at how it solidifies the view many Easterners already have. A professional representation is important for a movement to be successful and to be taken seriously. Especially when said movement has their sights on a federal party. If a federal party is formed, then they will need a strong leader, who is able to show responsibility, be taken seriously, and command respect from the voting population.

This part of the article is meant to be as balanced as possible, not meant to stir up anger, but to show that the impact of your words needs to be thought out before speaking. Now take a look at Peter Downing’s statement that also raised the eyebrows of those in attendance, those who were watching, and of course the already-biased media. The statement being referred to is, “Someone called us the Bloc Rednecois and that’s okay. That’s our term for ourselves. If you’re not from here, you’re just an Alberta-phobic racist anti-western bigot. That’s all you are.” A statement like the one referred to ruffled feathers, as it was intended to. The question is, did it ruffle more feathers than was intended? Although the statement may have been intended for those in the East, it is logical that it would be taken as offensive to people in Western Provinces who are not in Alberta. Logic aside, what were the reactions of fellow Westerners?

One person who was born in Saskatchewan, and worked across many Western provinces over the years, but has been an Alberta resident most of their life, had the following to say about Peter Downing’s statement, “The fact that he wants to create a federal party, with a system that federally already fails. We tried with the reform party and the response we get from the east is always the same. As for his anti-other provinces about Alberta statement, its representative of a feeling in Alberta. Although I think that most Albertans see Saskatchewanians on our side today, in the past this hasn't been the case. When rural Albertans look at the other western provinces, often people see out of province workers who only want our money and don't give 2 shits about Alberta. That if the money runs out, they leave and go back to the province they came from. Although I think it mostly comes from the eastern provinces, it does splash on BC and Saskatchewan as well. I think that most Albertans who want freedom from Ottawa, see this as a fight Alberta will have to win by itself and expects the other provinces to sit on the sidelines until the hard work is done, then will probably join once it looks good.”

An Albertan living in BC had a bit of a different take on it. “My initial thoughts about Peter Downing’s comment during his Edmonton rally was, “Oh well that’s great. The other western provinces come together to show support and solidarity to Alberta, and Downing shits on us for it”. This comment shows the public that Alberta is narrow minded, and doesn’t give a second thought to the other provinces who are not only hurting in their own way, but standing with Alberta through it. Which if you talk to Albertans, is untrue. Albertans love the support they have been getting from the neighbouring provinces and it’s with this support that has helped build Alberta up and helped Alberta share it’s voice. It seems to me that the head of this movement is trying to eat the body of this movement. The Bloc hates on the rest of Canada and still gets seats in Quebec, this being said, hating on the rest of Canada will never get the Bloc a PM. If Downing ever has dreams of becoming PM, calling people (especially your allies) names is NOT the way to do it. While we are on the topic of running for PM, this is NOT what Alberta or any of the west want. We do not want to fight for Wexit party to become the ruling government in Canada, the west wants action or the west wants out. Personally, as an Albertan living in BC, I want a unified west. A unified whole west. Alberta can’t and doesn’t want to do this alone. Downing might want to be all alone in his Alberta, but the rest of us don’t think that BC, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are “Alberta-phobic racist anti-Western bigot(s).”

A Saskatchewan resident had this to say, “That’s a little extreme and I don’t appreciate that someone had the audacity to say something like that. This tells me that they don’t actual care about my opinions and are only thinking of themselves.  Something that right now is not what we need in an already divided country.  It definitely makes me lose respect for that person and also if he’s supposed to be representing Alberta or the WEXIT movement than I have lost some of my respect and agreement in what they stand for.”

A statement like Peter Downing’s needs to be considered carefully. How can it be taken or construed? Questions like this one need to be asked before making any speech. Did he have his speech written or did he just “wing it”? Writing a speech down and having someone review the content is vitally important, to avoid statements like this from slipping out. It is felt that the speech was not written down. If it had been written down a comment like this one, that reveals a person’s true feelings in this regard, would not squeeze their way in, even though they may not have wanted it revealed. If the speech was written down, did Peter go off-script? When having ambitions for politics, off-script is not a wise way to go. Or was this line written down, and he fully intended to use it? No matter what, the intent behind the comment itself must be looked at.

When garnering support to make a run at a federal party position, the power of words is something that needs to be taken into serious consideration. These words are a political career-killer. No thought went into this statement of Peter’s, if he had thought about his words, they never would have been uttered. Speaking out against the very provinces you are looking to gain the support of, calling them “Alberta-phobic” and “racist” will only work to shove them farther away. These statements of hate only work to further widen the gap, not unite. The power of these words is that of division.

The term racist is over-used in today’s society, and used in this particular manner is not accurate. Racism, is acts/words of hate against a race of people, whereas discrimination is the word he is actually wanting to use, as it is acts/words of hate against someone based upon location, religion, lifestyle choice, etc. Even if this actually applied to the way the other western provinces felt towards Alberta, correct terms are important. The truth though is, other western provinces do not hate Alberta, they want to see Alberta succeed. They want to help Alberta in their battle against an Eastern government that actually does hate the province of Alberta, but also hates the rest of the west. The only western portion that this claim could apply to is the Vancouver-Victoria region. The rest of the western provinces deserve to be treated with respect, especially when the support of those provinces, means a united West, instead of being trapped on an island all alone. Alberta is not alone in this fight, at times it may feel that way, but at some point, in everyone’s life, they will feel alone, even if it is just something the human brain tricks itself into believing.

The purpose then, becomes choose words carefully. Think about them. Words have the power to divide, the power to encourage, the power to destroy, but they also have the power to heal, the power to show love, the power to reach out an olive branch. A branch of forgiveness. Western Canada may have had their differences over the years, but none that should make Alberta doubt how much the rest of the West wishes them to succeed and become prosperous again. Put aside angry words. Put away divisive words. Family forgives, family moves beyond problems, and family works together. Though Peter’s words are not appropriate and do not show the foresight of a true leader, that does not mean that provinces need to let this wedge grow. Put it aside, join in the battle for a better tomorrow. Work together to make changes, save our Nation. Find a leader who has the skills to guide, the foresight to think about their words, their actions, and their reactions. Most importantly think, always think. Think before you speak, think before you type, think before you act. Educate yourself, so as to make informed decisions. Learning, and an open mind while learning, are what will lead to positive change. Change the West fights for together, as one. By working together, these provinces can fix what Trudeau and his Liberal Party, with the support of much of the East, the UN, and clandestine American organizations, has set out to destroy. Stick together, just use caution when choosing whom to follow. Pay attention to the words chosen, the actions taken, and how much respect they show for those around them.

Forgiveness is here. Move forward. Make tomorrow a better future for the next generations.

East VS West: Ignorance Stops Now

East VS West: Ignorance Stops Now

The divide that we see in Canada today has been growing for decades. We see the West being taken advantage of, used and abused, and treated like second class citizens in a country the West has supported financially far too often, only to have no voice in Parliament. This has been building up distrust, frustration, and hatred between the two halves of a country that should be united. Part of the reason for this is that Canada has very different thoughts, lifestyles, and understanding in many parts. We have the Vancouver-Victoria area, then the Territories, then the rest of the West, Winnipeg-Eastern Manitoba, Urban Ontario, Rural Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes. These areas seem to butt heads far too often, causing a huge feeling of division across our Nation. Each of these areas seems to be ignorant to the ideas and ideologies of the other areas. Ontario, Quebec, and part of the Maritimes, seem to be closer in thought and band together to control the rest of Canada. Which is a major cause of anger to the rest of the country. They minimize and remove the voice of most of the West, yet they seem quite willing to accept money, in the form of equalization payments, from the West.

https://youtu.be/x8Ie2ckUpoQ

Ignorance. Something all parts of Canada are guilty of. In way too many areas there is no attempt made to understand or see the views of the other parts of Canada. It needs to stop. We are a country, a country that is looking to fracture. The country needs to ensure ALL areas have a voice, ALL areas are represented equally, ALL areas are given the chance to implement their ideologies into our Nation, and ALL areas are shown respect. Right now, what Canada has is a mesh of too many groups that want nothing to do with the other, which is not just a present issue, it has been an issue since Confederation. Quebec immediately grabbed special rights and privileges, and uses them to twist the arm of the country into doing their bidding, something that Urban Ontario is far too willing to allow and get behind. The Eastern mentality has all but destroyed everything the West has worked hard to develop and build. A shattered economy with what seems like no hope for a future in Canada. Fueling a fire smoldering and growing in intensity, spreading vehement flames throughout our Nation, threatening the very existence of Canada. If Ignorance is not stopped, Canada may very well become a part of history, a story told about to future generations, a folklore. Below is a couple of examples of the ignorance mentioned, and responses issued by myself.

“Please stop posting this Eastern propaganda....it might sway the dumbasses. The clown has disabled commenting on the vid. Says it all. The blowback to this bullshit was fierce. This is between Western citizens and the criminal Federal authority. We are not fighting for Eastern Canada, a faraway land we have never seen. If they want to remain enslaved to a retarded Fed that is their business. THIS is our home and Eastern Canadians need to stay the fuck out of the conversation.”

Response:

“Clown? Commenting is still on the vid, I just checked. Check your facts before commenting please. Besides it isn't Eastern Propaganda, it's balanced reporting. Showing all sides of a discussion. If you want one-sided, biased reporting, look at CTV, City TV, and CBC, that is biased Eastern propaganda. What in there offends you? The fact that I mention that it will be a slow process to complete a separation or make change? It takes time, sorry but it does not happen over night. The fact that I mention that not every single person in the West is sold on separating? Sorry but it's a FACT. We both may not agree with these people on the subject, but they are entitled to their opinions, as we are to ours. I agree that I want to be away from Eastern control and have our voices heard again, but that does not mean everyone is forced to agree with us. Forcing people to have your opinion is a dictatorship. Just stop and think about that please. Not wanting to argue, just trying to educate and have people make informed decisions. Thank you”

Comment on a Toronto Sun article. 

Robert Mullins commented that someone was a liar and a sore loser.

Response:

“You would be a sore loser too if the decisions of Eastern City-Dwellers, with no knowledge of how the world works in rural areas, made decisions for the whole country. Try losing your job, home, car, belongings, forced to go on welfare or take a low paying jobs. Try watching friends commit suicide, as they feel trapped, stuck, due to circumstances beyond their control. Try watching your neighbours move away with nothing, simply because the government that they rejected came into power and destroyed their livelihoods. Livelihoods that lies are spread about, villainized for providing a source of energy that the vast majority of our products are made from. Energy that people who live in large urban areas, deem to be dirty and shame them for making it available, despite living in their cozy homes, with cozy jobs, with cozy cars. Going about their lives like they haven’t destroyed other people’s lives with their uneducated decisions, and brainwashed by a media that is so biased, that truth is far from their goal. All the while, they use the items and belongings that were all made by the source of energy that they deem to be evil. People in large Eastern urban centers, that have no clue about the energy industry they attack. Brainwashed into believing solar and wind energy is the answer, despite these taking more energy to make than they actually provide in their lifetime, particularly wind turbines. These two energy sources use the same energy source to make them, the same energy produced in the oilsands, and pulled from the ground in much of the west. If you want to call the reality behind these facts being sore losers, then I guess we are all sore losers, and you will be as well when this government you Eastern Urban Dwellers voted in, destroys the half of the country that provides the vast majority of equalization payments. Maybe, just maybe try educating yourself on the facts before throwing stones that may break your own glass house. Try using empathy, try looking at other people’s lives outside your own little world, at least attempt to shed your ignorance before it makes you look even more foolish. This government’s foolish policies have already cost us thousands of jobs in the short time since getting re-elected. Don’t let this government take your ability to think, to show compassion, and to ultimately keep your family safe.”

 The hatred seems to run deep between these halves, East and West, but civility can be used. Comments about “F Trudeau” and Quebec MLA’s/MPs commenting complete disrespect for the West, are just not necessary. Comments like these simply work to spread the divide, and simply show how ignorant people can be. The question put forth then becomes, how do we find a resolution? A question I have seen put forth many times, I have seen great ideas come from fellow Westerners, also seen foolishness presented. The best way to combat this is with empathy and understanding. Try to see the other person’s perspective, this goes for both the East and West. Show respect even when frustrated and angry, as Pat King states, “Everyone has a voice, if you can’t talk responsibly and speak respectfully, then don’t talk. All people are entitled to have their say.” He goes on to state that we should “beat with words not fists”, and cautions, “Don’t engage if you can’t be respectful.” Good advice. A loud voice does not normally get what you want. A soft tone garners more understanding and willingness to listen. Do I believe that Parliament will listen? No, but attacking those who oppose you accomplishes nothing.

A slower paced approach that has a desire for change, for the betterment of the West is what is needed. Educate yourselves on the issues, and not just from one source but many sources. By educating yourself, you can then propose strong arguments, win debates, show that the West is not just “dumb hicks”, or “stupid rednecks”, or “white supremacists”. Show that the West does know what we are talking about, use facts to disprove, facts to convince, facts to open eyes. The East is fed a lot of misinformation, or very little about the West, they focus on themselves. The West cannot be this way, don’t be ignorant. Yes, the West will need to fight for their rights, but it needs to be done in the proper manner. By educating yourself, you can then educate those in the East. The East may turn a blind eye to these attempts, but at least you have been the bigger person. A lot is happening behind the scenes in the West to bring about this change, let us do our best to implement these plans, support our efforts, find a way to help. Shouting angry rhetoric full of hate, will only close ears and eyes, and turn the rest of the West away from the movement for change. Anger, bitterness, and hate only hinder the efforts of these people who are working to bring about change.

Angry rhetoric did not bring about the efforts we are seeing success in trying to pull out of CPP and gaining our own sovereignty. Support is best provided through peace. Anger is understood, but use a healthy form of release, not hiding behind a keyboard attacking anyone who says something you don’t like. Learn to control your mind, use it for good. Assist us in bringing about change, show Canada that ignorance is not tolerated, is not needed, and is not helpful. Bring about change by showing knowledge through words and actions. Help us help you. Educate yourselves. Stop ignorance in its tracks.

Wexit: Mixed Reactions Across Canada

Canada is a country divided. In reality, there are several areas of divide in the Nation of Canada, but The Western/Eastern split seems to be receiving the majority of the focus at this moment. Many parts of the West are calling for Separation from the rest of Canada. However, it is unclear just which provinces and territories would be included in a Western Separation at this point. Many of the comments on this subject focus on Alberta and Saskatchewan, which seems like the most likely separation situation. There has been increasing talk that most of Manitoba and British Columbia would like to join if separation referendums become a reality, showing the growing support for separation. It does not end there though; a new push has emerged to include some of the Territories in this Wexit movement. A split of that magnitude would cut the country in half, and could be devastating to the Eastern half of the country. One has to ask then how people across the country feel about the likelihood of Canada separating?

According to a member of the Facebook group VoteWexit.com, he explains what he feels is necessary for any separation of the Western portion of Canada to succeed. “For this to succeed, we need to have One Common Vision that everyone can envision, with common achievable goals.” He also points out that the prairie provinces have ample resources, but cautions against allowing “outside controlling forces” to get involved. As his post continues, he explains that this, “Will not happen overnight,” claiming that if it is to succeed it will take integrating policies of tolerance, respect, understanding, compromise, education reform, and care about our culture. Equal representation is a common theme among all supporters of the movement.

In the West there seems to be a lot of support for this separation movement, even some support seems to be coming from the Eastern provinces.  However, there are a lot of people who are on the fence, unsure about the movement or what it could mean to them personally. From some in the Vancouver-Chilliwack area, there seems to be confusion, wondering about how the provinces will all support themselves after a separation, both those who separate and those who remain in Canada, as well as the question of how it would affect the living costs as a whole. The sentiment of it being a waste of time, seems like a common sentiment among those in opposition to the idea, particularly, but not limited to the Central Manitoba region. Despite this, it does seem to be picking up momentum in the Northern areas of BC, as well as the portion of British Columbia from Kelowna East.

Part of the problems in the Wexit movement, seems to be around the lack of united front. When people disagree about a point or question that has been put forward, they are immediately attacked by keyboard warriors, which does not garner support, or help the cause. The same could be said for those who are not completely on board. Comments from some Albertans have been attacks against anyone who does not share their opinion. Sentiments seem to be that you are either with them or can move East, and only wanting people with Conservative values, plagues the province of Alberta. The result of these attacks is a loss of momentum and support. To those with cooler heads, they seem to understand that reason, well thought out plans, empathy, and a united front are going to be the only way to get a successful referendum, putting aside differences to join together and come up with a solution that works best for the West as a whole.

When asked what their thoughts are on the likelihood of separation happening, sentiments varied. Many in the West think it will happen for sure, while those in the East mainly feel that it will not happen, that it is all talk. A person interviewed in southwest Saskatchewan says that he doesn’t see it happening as anger over election results will cool down, people will grin and bear it for Trudeau’s term. He insists that people need to keep informed and share opinions, instead of just letting it slide. Another person who lived in the Maritimes for most of their life, but now lives in Saskatchewan, says that they never would have thought of separation while in the East, but now living in Western Canada and speaking with friends who have lived here their whole lives, she is being forced to stop and really think about what is best for Canada as a whole. When asked about acceptable timelines for separation, many Westerners feel that a referendum must be called within a few months or it will lose momentum, and change won’t happen. However, those in the East and West do agree on one point, that a timeline really depends on each province’s leadership and what they do over the next couple of years, but that if an election happens sooner than the 4-year term, some issues may very well resolve themselves through change in government. They just aren’t sure how much would actually change.  

The sentiments from the Eastern and Western supporters seems to be in consensus over what the goal for separation should be. They all feel that they need to gain control over business and economy again, and that they need to have the whole West in mind, not just one province, whatever allows them to begin steady growth again. A lady who has lived in both halves of the country sums up what she feels are the main reasons behind the Wexit movement, “Western families feel the Canadian government has failed them and has no interest to help them succeed financially. What with stripping away many Western families’ livelihoods and thwarting any hope of oil progression over the next foreseeable four years.” This quote sums up how most Westerners feel. To stop a separation from taking place, people feel that the government will take the tact of ignoring the complaints of the West and let the movement fizzle itself out. People in the West feel that what the government needs to do is, scrap the carbon tax, which they feel is not likely to happen, and to start listening to what the West has to say, make them feel that they have a voice. Part of giving the West a voice, would be shown through a change in the electoral system, to properly represent the population bases, adjusting or scrapping equalization payments, and to allow, as well as assist, in pipeline projects. The likelihood of a Western Exit actually happening they feel will depend on how angry the West remains, what the government does to appease the West, and just how much sustained pressure is put on the Liberal government. Staying organized seems to be the common sentiment of success.  

Support was ramping up for this movement, but may have hit a small snag when VoteWexit.com founder, Peter Downing, put up a post stating, “WEXIT Canada will sweep the next election. The Conservative Party had their chance.” This statement seemed to ruffle the feathers of some supporters. It was followed with comments like, “We don’t need a new party. Referendum can be done with CPC.” “We don’t need another party.” “Ya I’m sure it will. I’m out.” “Creating a new party to compete with Federal Conservatives seems off point.” They seem to be worried about a further splitting of votes. These sentiments may cause trouble for the Wexit movement, time shall tell. Further more, there seems to be frustration around the singular focus of Alberta being the only one in this, when other western provinces feel that this is an insult to the support that they have been providing the province of Alberta. It is hard to predict what course and direction the Wexit movement will take, nor what it shall result in. Efforts have been put in motion by separatist leaders to bridge these gaps.

Right now, it seems to be a healthy outlet for the pent-up frustrations the Western Provinces are feeling. A lot of details need to be sorted out before any solid referendum plans can formulate and be put into action. Although many appear wanting to rush the process, a slower more well thought out process tends to be the preferred method for these proceedings. Starting the separation process and successfully creating a country is not something to be rushed into. As stated before, there are many little and big details that need to be sorted out, red tape to get through, and things to make sure are in order before any action can be taken.

Canadians as a whole should be asking themselves, how long before things calm down? And when things do calm down, can the momentum for a separation referendum survive?

Time will be the only true test. I leave you with Trudeau’s thoughts on this matter, “I will be saying more about this, as my thinking evolves.”

Tony Peters