The Buffalo Declaration, a manifesto written and signed by four Conservative members of Parliament from Alberta, declares a path forward for the province within the confederation of Canada and outlines ways to soothe Alberta’s alienation from the rest of the country.
But what is it? What does it do? And why the name “Buffalo?”
Let’s start with the name.
Back in the early 1900s, Sir Frederick Haultain, the first premier of the Northwest Territories, had an idea for a new Canadian province comprised of what would become Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Its name, he suggested, would be “Buffalo.” This was rejected by the Liberals under Wilfrid Laurier, who weren’t keen on the suggestion coming from someone identified with the Conservative party.
The symbol has lingered on as a mark of Ottawa not taking the west’s concerns seriously.
What is in the manifesto?
The 13-page, nearly 6,000 word document outlines the history of western alienation, what the authors identify as the root causes and issues with Confederation, and makes several recommendations on how to improve relations with the west.
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What are the main issues?
So there are four basic concerns: Alberta isn’t an equal partner in Confederation; Alberta isn’t recognized as culturally distinct; Alberta is isolated from power; and Alberta is treated as a colony.
And the solutions?
They range from the House of Commons publicly acknowledging the harms of Pierre Trudeau’s National Energy Program, to having more Alberta art and culture in Canada’s national museums, to amending provincial equalization formulas, protecting rail services and agricultural industries, and fairer political representation.
Who wrote it?
Four Tories: Michelle Rempel Garner, Arnold Viersen, Glen Motz and Blake Richards.
How’s the reception been?
While being mocked in some parts (social media) as the same old complaining from Alberta, Conservative leader Andrew Scheer said he believes there is legitimate angst in the West. So did Erin O’Toole, who’s running for the leadership.
Ken Boessenkool was one of the men involved in a similar project some 20 years ago. The so-called “firewall letter” of that time was published in the National Post and directed to then-premier Ralph Klein. It laid out ways Alberta could assert itself, such as having its own police force and pension plan.
In a Twitter thread Thursday, he said it was “appropriate” that these ideas come up during the current leadership race for the Conservative party. “I view them as part of an internal discussion within the Conservative Party about the relative strength and influence of the West in the Conservative coalition,” he wrote.
What now?
Anybody’s guess. The debate over Alberta alienation and the spectre of separatism have ebbed and flowed over the years. But it likely will be a factor in the Conservative leadership race. In Alberta and Saskatchewan, where all but one seat in Parliament belongs to the Conservatives, these feelings of alienation and the position of Alberta within Confederation are important issues for the party to work through.
Should I read it?
Sure — it’s the weekend. What better plans do you have?
