Part 5/6:
This last requirement poses a significant hurdle; it gives the federal government—likely to be opposed to any form of separation—the power to invalidate the results of the referendum. The involvement of other provinces in negotiating constitutional changes also adds layers of complexity to the pathway of separation.
The Implications of Potential Separation
In summary, while Alberta's push for independence may not herald an imminent civil war, it does reflect a palpable frustration among many Albertans. The notion of serving as a financial support system for provinces that predominantly do not share their values is breeding discontent throughout Western Canada.