CALGARY – Times are different. The issues are different. But for some Canadians, Alberta’s referendum brings up a familiar anxiety.
In 1995, Quebecers voted by a razor-thin margin to remain in Canada. Just 50.58 per cent said “no” to separation.
Thirty-one years ago, Gary and Yveline, who asked that their last name not be used, voted for Quebec to remain part of Canada. Now living in Alberta, the husband and wife say they’re in favour of leaving.
“We didn’t think that Quebec had the ability to survive on their own,” Gary told CTV News chief news anchor and senior editor Omar Sachedina.
“Alberta can actually survive on its own financially, dealing with the U.S., dealing with Saskatchewan, dealing with other provinces in Canada. I think Alberta could make a good go of it.”
Gary said he’s unhappy with the direction the country is going.
“The real issue here is not Alberta so much wanting to separate. It’s Alberta wanting to get off a sinking ship.” Gary said. “Everything that I see, everything that I read about Canada (indicates) we’re going down.”
The couple left Quebec in 2019 and fell in love with Alberta years later, prompting them to relocate to the province to enjoy their retirement.
“My son ended up moving (to Alberta) and he had a son and so we decided to pack up, sell everything we had in Quebec, buy our RV and move,” Yveline said. Now, she worries about the future.
“I’m just worried about my son, my grandson (and) my grandkids. What’s going to happen to Canada when my son or grandson is older?” she said. “There’s a lot of uncertainty and that really makes me anxious.”
She believes Alberta is in a better position to prosper as its own country, than Canada as a whole. But not all Albertans feel the same way.
Dominic Afonso, a realtor from Quebec who has lived in Alberta since 2009, says he has already seen the vote’s economic impact.
“It’s a bit like what happened in Montreal and Quebec during the last two (referendums),” Afonso told Sachedina. “The uncertainty brought a lot of uncertainty into the economy and the real estate market in particular.”
While the impact may be similar, this time, he believes the motivations are different.
“It had to do more with the protection of the heritage of the Quebec French. In Alberta, it’s more fiscal.”
He believes Albertans bring a lot of value to the country and are looking to be heard.
While the issues are different, Afonso’s decision this time around is the same as in 1995.
“As Canadians, we have so many great things from resources (to) people in Canada. I think we’re better as a united (Canada).”
He’s hoping all Albertans get out and vote.
