Subhead:Every time an eastern columnist dismisses Albertans as ignorant, backward, or incapable of understanding their own interests, he reinforces the very sense of alienation driving support for independence.#
Maclean’s columnist Stephen Maher recently dismissed Alberta independence supporters as a “minority with a stupid idea,” adding that their “illusions are not everyone else’s problem.” Calling Albertans stupid does not answer their arguments. It only proves their point.
Is there some reason why everyone should pretend their plan is not stupid? They are a minority with a stupid idea and it is necessary to say that. Their illusions are not everyone else’s problem. https://t.co/Aqsurk5BuA
— Stephen Maher (@stphnmaher) May 28, 2026
Insults are not arguments. And Maher’s comments reveal a remarkable double standard in Canadian political culture.
For decades, Quebec separatism was treated as a legitimate political movement. Federal politicians, journalists, academics, and constitutional experts spent generations debating Quebec’s place in Confederation. Ottawa commissioned studies. Governments negotiated constitutional reforms. The country held two national unity referendums.
Nobody suggested that millions of Quebecers were stupid for questioning whether Confederation served their interests. Nobody dismissed Quebec’s concerns as “illusions.”
Canadians were told that Quebec’s grievances needed to be heard, understood, and addressed. Why is Alberta different?
Why was it reasonable for Quebecers to ask whether Canada was working for them, but unreasonable for Albertans to ask the same question?
Albertans aren’t imagining the issues that have driven support for independence.
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