This article presents an argument against Alberta independence, urging caution and raising important questions about our responsibilities as citizens. To read a case for independence, click here: Why Alberta Should Leave Canada

In my circles, this may be the most unpopular opinion I have ever shared (and I write about abortion for a living): I do not support Alberta separatism. I believe that Christians must remain loyal to their country. Canada is my country, and therefore I have a moral obligation to stand by her. 

Many Albertans are justifiably angry at Confederation. Alberta has been abused by the East. We are systematically underrepresented and overtaxed. The livelihoods of thousands of Albertans are threatened on a daily basis by Ottawa’s anti-energy regulations. When Alberta has given ample notice of roiling unrest against Ottawa, the East has dismissed us and mocked our concerns.

Because of this, I will not try to argue that Alberta has not been fleeced by Confederation.

I will not argue that Alberta would be worse off economically as an independent country than as a province.

I also will not argue that Confederation is a fair deal.

Instead, I will argue that Christians have an obligation to be loyal citizens toward the political community to which they belong. Particularly, they owe loyalty to the political authorities that God has established over them (Prov 24:21; Rom 13:1–7; Tit 3:1–2; 1 Pet 2:13–17). As Christ stated, “render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s” (Matt 22:21). The Roman Caesars were brutal, authoritarian political leaders who conquered and exploited the Jews. And yet Christ encouraged his followers to pay their taxes to Rome, and this exhortation was presumably intended to convey that his followers should be good subjects of their Roman masters in all things except those reserved for God.

In other words, we have a moral obligation to be good members of our political community and to be submissive to its leaders, even when that community isn’t giving us a fair deal. This, ultimately, should be the defining question of the separation argument. What is the community to which I owe my allegiance? Is it Canada, or is it Alberta?

For me, Canada is my political community—Canada is my country.  I know many people don’t understand how, despite the many justified criticisms of Canada, I could still believe Canada to be my country. However, I would remind those people that we don’t get to choose our country. Instead, we are born into it. God decides which country we are born into, and we are commanded by Him to be faithful citizens (Deut 32:8; Acts 17:26).

In the course of events, God may will that someone’s fundamental political allegiances change. Yet I do not see any evidence that he has done so for Albertans. If the best argument for Alberta’s independence is the fiscal argument, that alone is not enough to end our loyalty to Canada (Matt 6:33; Phil 2:4). We must remember that when someone asks you to break with your political community, the onus is on them to explain why such a drastic step is necessary (Rom 12:8). They must demonstrate how the cause of Christ is advanced if that step is taken. With this in mind, what great works for Christ will independence bring? I’m immensely skeptical. So far, the only thing pitched to Alberta’s Christians is that they would make more money. Until a better answer is given, our national loyalty must remain. 

Canada is still my country. Therefore, I do not support her dismemberment.

For many of my fellow Albertans, Canada is not their country—Alberta is. If stated in good conscience, this is a perfectly Christian position to take.

However, I have one request for those who hold this position: search your heart. If you support separatism simply because Canada is hurting Alberta, then your position is not morally defensible. If you are simply infuriated by the flaws of Confederation (join the club), then your position is not morally defensible. In fact, if your support for separation arises from any other reason than that Alberta is your country, and you want Alberta to be free out of love for Alberta, then your position is not morally defensible.

To those who hold that Alberta is their country, I understand and respect your position. After all, questions of fundamental loyalties are rarely easy to parse, and it is hardly surprising that different people may reach different conclusions in good faith.

However, for the reasons outlined above, I believe Canada is our nation and is owed our loyalty. 

The future of Alberta is a weighty matter, and the question of independence is prompting strong opinions across the province. While some see it as a serious and urgent matter, others haven't given it a second thought.

This is not a time for Christians to remain on the sidelines. We must engage with this issue thoughtfully and biblically, considering how our faith informs our understanding of citizenship, justice, and the common good.

Alberta Reformer is committed to facilitating that engagement. While we do not take an official position on independence, we believe it's vital to create space for robust discussion and debate, rooted in our desire to see God's word shape every aspect of life in our province.

This article presents an argument against Alberta independence, urging caution and raising important questions about our responsibilities as citizens. To read a case for independence, click here: Why Alberta Should Leave Canada

We encourage you to prayerfully consider these perspectives, weigh them against Scripture, and actively participate in seeking God's will for Alberta. As we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, may we also strive for the welfare of our fellow Albertans.

We plan to engage in the conversation on an ongoing basis, and we invite you to join us in this endeavour.

– The Alberta Reformer Team

Photo Credit: Slightly edited graphic from the cover of Dr. Michael Wagner's book No Other Option, designed by Jeff Rout