The Courage to Listen Townhall:
Constructing the framework for a Sovereign Alberta
within a United Canada
June 25, 2025
What Could a Sovereign Alberta Mean for Justice, Peace, and Prosperity for All Albertans?
When we started planning The Courage to Listen, we engaged many Albertans to help build a framework for a sovereign Alberta. The planning started before the last Federal election and the announcement of the Alberta Next Panel.
The idea was to get past platitudes and gaslighting. Let’s create an actual framework that could be activated by the UCP government to build a better Alberta that encompassed resource development, eliminating equalization, and standing up for the sovereignty of Alberta within Canada on all fronts because it is the right thing to do.
We received two well written plans: the first from the Alberta Prosperity Project, the second from Ben Trudeau called Canada First which we have renamed “Sovereign Alberta Framework”.
The Value of Freedom is a fiscal framework for Alberta. Using conservative actual government data, it tells a story of the cost of Alberta being a part of Canada. Sadly, the value received back from Canada is nominal. (The public link is attached here for your reference).
We also received a proposal from Benoit Trudeau. Using his experience with the Quebec government he outlines how Quebeckers use the Westminster system of government to receive a net wealth transfer from Alberta of $15 billion while claiming to have a deficit budget. (we have included a link)
Ben’s document gives a framework which one would have expected every Canadian province to emulate. Yet, all Provinces, except Quebec keep asking for permission when none is needed. Alberta does not need to ask permission to have the Alberta Pension Plan (note the Quebec pension returns in the report), Provincial Police force, Immigration, EI, tax collection or any of the other 26 areas of Provincial jurisdiction.
Ben’s report is very specific to the reasons why Provincial governments are soft on Ottawa.
When you watch Ben’s presentation (link here) and compare it to Bruce Pardy’s presentation (link here) you will see that Ben’s report dovetails with The Value of Freedom fiscal framework. Ironically, Ben was defending a sovereign Alberta within a united Canada, and Bruce Pardy was speaking of the illusion of Canada.
Having The Courage to Listen is challenging. We all enter into the wake with our own bias’s, new understanding, and various willingness to make difficult decisions.
Initiating conversation and creating actual white papers generates intelligent conversation and leads to quality decision making. We are all tired of watching good decision happen way too late. We do not apologize for providing Albertans facts to support their education.
Thank you to the CAs who took the important step forward to sponsor The Courage To Listen: Building a framework for a sovereign Alberta within a United Canada Town Hall on June 25: Airdrie-East, Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St Paul, Calgary-Lougheed, Calgary Acadia, Calgary-South East, Grande Prairie-Wapiti, Highwood, Maskwacis-Wetaskiwin, and all the verbal support we received.
Looking ahead, we will continue to advocate for principled conservative values. By activating the policies we advocate, we educate our members on the value of being members of the United Conservative Party.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Enjoy the information.
Be Strong. Be Free. Be Conservative.
Darrell Komick, President
UCP Calgary-Lougheed
Speakers:
- Ben Trudeau – A long-time advocate for democratic reform, Ben explores how Alberta can exercise its constitutional rights to protect public institutions and working-class communities.
- Jeff Rath – What are the benefits of Alberta being within a united Canada or an autonomous Nation?
Download The Value of Freedom – Alberta Independence Fiscal Plan (PDF)
- Matthew Ehret, Canadian author – What does global finance, and potential future leaders like PM Carney, mean for Alberta’s autonomy? Who will truly benefit if decisions remain centralized in Ottawa?
- Kris Sims, Canadian Taxpayers Federation – What would Alberta’s finances look like if they were managed solely by and for Albertans? What public investments could be prioritized—healthcare, education, sustainable energy?
- Bruce Pardy, LLB – Professor and author of the Alberta Declaration of Independence. He raises tough questions about government accountability, democratic legitimacy, and the bloated bureaucracies that can overshadow public needs.
- Dr. Michael Wagner, PhD – Author of Time to Leave, Canada Cannot be Fixed. He argues that the status quo is unsustainable. Reform is blocked; Alberta’s voice is ignored. Can a more democratic, equal society emerge from sovereignty?
- Peter McCaffrey, President of the Alberta Institute – While traditionally focused on libertarian policy, McCaffrey will contribute to the broader conversation about how sovereignty might create space for locally accountable governance.
Documents:
- Mitch Sylvestre, CEO, Alberta Prosperity Project – Organizer of the referendum initiative, Mitch outlines how the process aligns with the federal Clarity Act, and why Albertans must have the democratic right to decide their future.
Let’s talk. June 25, Calgary
Because a better Alberta should work for everyone—not just the powerful.
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