Subhead:There has been no realistic interest shown on the part of the USA in annexing Alberta.#
Keller raised the tired spectre of Alberta being consumed by the hungry, expansionist USA looming on the South side of the border should the province become independent. The 51st state canard is a popular one used by federalists to try to scare Albertans from considering independence, but there is no merit to it.
Keller claims independence would turn Alberta into a “landlocked stranded asset” which would be forced to become the 51st state out of economic desperation and due to dependence on the USA as a primary market for its products.
Alberta already is a landlocked stranded asset due to Canadian actions blocking the province from reaching world markets with oil and gas products. Over 94 percent of Canada’s oil and gas exports go to the United States right now.
It has emasculated Alberta’s economic ability but hasn’t moved the province any closer to joining the United States. In a scenario where Alberta became independent, it would have more leverage in accessing coastal export points. The province would finally become less dependent on the USA as a sole customer.
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