The Munk Debates Podcast Alberta's separatist movement gets support from Washington and Canada needs a new security agenda
Feb 3, 2026
Andrew Coyne, Globe and Mail columnist and bestselling author known for sharp commentary on Canadian politics, tackles Alberta separatism and foreign meddling. He discusses U.S. involvement and referendum risks. He outlines a new Canadian security agenda: democratic reform, economic integration, and resilience beyond the military. He frames crisis as an opportunity to rebuild national unity and institutions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
We Normalized Secession For Too Long
- Canada has long treated secession as a legitimate option, but that normalizes the dismemberment of the country.
- Coyne urges we stop legitimizing separation as 'just another option' because it destroys a 150-year project.
Joining The U.S. Is A Fantasy
- U.S. promises to Alberta (like lower taxes) are largely fantasy because of legal and political hurdles to taking territory and joining the U.S.
- American involvement may be toxic and could backfire on the separatist movement.
Fix Equalization, Don't Fuel Resentment
- Redesign equalization because it no longer equalizes and fuels resentment.
- Fix the program in the interest of the whole country, not by treating it as a plot against Alberta.