Alberta, Quebec should look east before pursuing separation

Ten years after the Brexit vote and all of its subsequent economic and political turmoil, U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham is talking about potentially aligning with Europe, again.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Liverpool, U.K., on Sept. 16. The fact that Burnham is so openly discussing EU-unification should be major wake up call to people in Alberta and Quebec about the challenged domestic moment in which they find themselves, writes Tim Powers.Photograph courtesy of Simon Dawson/No. 10 Downing Street

Opinion

BY TIM POWERS

October 7, 2026

OTTAWA—In Alberta and Quebec, separatism from Canada is a real part of the political discourse. Quebecers have elected the Parti Québécois, an avowedly separatist party, back into power this week. In two weeks, Albertans are having a referendum to decide if they are goin...

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