In legal terms we sometimes hear the expression “asked and answered”, and it’s time we accept that when it comes to the future of Alberta.
Yesterday, in a long-awaited vote that would have paved the way for a true, full referendum on leaving Canada, Albertans spoke up loud and clear with 76% of the early returns voting to stay part of the True North Strong and Free.
Premier Danielle Smith will address the issue formally tonight but has already promised there would be no follow-up referendum for the rest of her United Conservative Party government’s mandate.
And that, as we say, is that, or at least it should be.
There has been some noise from the people interested in leaving Canada that yesterday’s vote wouldn’t be the end of the movement, but the clear message received by most of us yesterday was that it SHOULD be the end.
We are blessed to live in a nation where we settle issues with ballots instead of bullets, and there are many, many countries around the world where the people organizing such a movement would be jailed after being charged with sedition, or worse.
But that’s not Canada. Our commitment to free speech and free expression is so strong that even when the issue at hand could destroy the country we love, we would rather let people decide for themselves.
And now they have. The question of Alberta separation has been fairly asked and answered. The underlying issues remain, but I think I speak for many of us when I say that there would be little tolerance for asking that question again in the near future. The people have spoken, and it’s time we respect their judgement instead of trying to change it.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
