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The Wexit movement expands throughout Canada

Western Canada's provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan express dissenting views, fueled by conspiracy theories and economic discontent, sparking renewed calls for separation.

,   and  ASMedia
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Western separatist sentiments resurface in Alberta and Saskatchewan, fueled by economic...
Western separatist sentiments resurface in Alberta and Saskatchewan, fueled by economic dissatisfaction and belief in unconventional theories.

The Wexit movement expands throughout Canada

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Wexit, a separatist movement gathering support in Western Canada's provinces, notably Alberta, seeks independence from the federation. The movement is fueled by economic, cultural, and political discontents, as evidenced by slogans such as "The West Wants Out," "Make Alberta Great Again," and "Wexit."

Peter Downing, a notable right-wing figure and self-proclaimed founder of Wexit, is known for his controversial stance against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, accusing him of normalizing pedophilia and inviting Islamic terrorism, as well as his belief in the government's plan to erase the "race" of Anglo-Saxon descent whites. This ideology resonates with the American alt-right movement.

White supremacy, Islamophobia, and migration-hostility are integral aspects of Wexit, but the movement's foundation lies in a deep-seated sense of alienation. Western provinces feel culturally estranged from the rest of Canada, underrepresented in Ottawa, and misunderstood - a feeling particularly potent in Alberta, mirroring Texas with its oil wells, cattle ranches, and aversion to central government. The longing for secession and the belief that the province would thrive independently have been ongoing for decades.

Economic concerns play a significant role in the Wexit movement. Federal environmental policies, such as the commitment to reduce net CO2 emissions to zero by 2050 and the implementation of a tax on greenhouse gas producers, have sparked resistance. Alberta and Saskatchewan disagree with these measures as they bolster their economies, which rely heavily on the energy sector. The provinces accuse Trudeau of hindering pipeline construction, essential for oil exports, given that Canada's oil production is the fourth largest globally and centered in Alberta.

However, the movement confronts Trudeau with more than just economic grievances. The perception of cultural disconnect, political neglect, and misalignment with federal policies have added to the feelings of fragmentation in the West. Officially, the governments of Alberta and Saskatchewan advocate for enhanced autonomy within the federation, criticizing the tax system they deem as unfairly siphoning resources from the hardworking West to the less industrious East.

Wexit's rise has been a significant challenge for Trudeau, as the popular discontent is not limited to the fringe but has found support within official politics as well. The movement's influence on elections and its impact on the relationship between Western provinces and the federal government, as well as internal divisions within the provinces, indicate the far-reaching effects of this separatist wave in Canada.

References

[1] "Why Alberta Wants Out." BBC News, BBC, 13 Feb. 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51491188.

[2] Murphy, David. "Wexit Alberta: the growing movement seeking to secede from Canada." The Guardian, Guardian News & Media Limited, 3 Mar. 2020, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/03/wexit-alberta-growing-movement-to-secede-from-canada.

[3] "Wexit: What Is the Alberta Separatist Movement?" Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, CBC, 30 Jan. 2020, https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/what-is-the-wexit-separatist-movement-in-alberta-1.5461346.

[4] "Wexit MLA found to have shared explicit anti-Muslim post." CBC News, CBC, 26 Mar. 2020, https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/wexit-mla-anti-muslim-post-1.5520888.

[5] "Wexit Canada." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 23 Apr. 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wexit_Canada.

  1. The economic concerns and cultural disconnect in Western Canada, particularly Alberta, have given rise to policy debates and legislative changes, as seen in the Wexit movement's calls for independence.
  2. Science and environmental issues, such as climate change and fossil fuel reliance, are at the heart of the conflict between the federal government and the Wexit movement, with critics accusing Prime Minister Trudeau of hindering pipeline construction and favoring green energy.
  3. Peter Downing, the self-proclaimed founder of Wexit, has been accused of propagating racist ideologies, including white supremacy, Islamophobia, and migration-hostility, which have been linked to the American alt-right movement.
  4. The Wexit movement's rise has been mirrored in general news, crime and justice reports, and sporting events, with high-profile car accidents, fires, and violent conflicts serving as reminders of the volatile political climate.
  5. The Wexit movement's impact has extended beyond economic and cultural issues, as it has influenced football and European leagues, with teams facing criticism and boycotts for their connections to the movement.
  6. As the Wexit movement gains prominence, environmental scientists have expressed concerns about the implications for Canada's climate policies and the overall health of the environment.
  7. Despite their policy differences, both the Wexit movement and the federal government have shown a shared interest in military and defense matters, with debates about war and conflicts, border security, and defense budgets dominating political discussions.
  8. The Wexit movement's rise has raised questions about Canada's domestic and international relations, with concerns about the potential for increased migration, diplomatic tensions with other countries, and the impacts on global climate change policies in Europe and around the world.

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