Another great article by Marco. This paragraph deserves particular attention: “The eighth is not in that category. The eighth asks for something that exists, works, is paid for annually by Ottawa, and is not audited by Ottawa. Albertans may well vote it down. Before they do, they should understand that a Prime Minister came to their province and told them to want less than Quebec has, and he couldn’t bring himself to repeat it that same evening in front of a larger crowd.” If you understand one thing about this referendum, let it be this: Alberta’s concerns did not appear overnight. Since becoming a province, Alberta has had to fight for fair treatment within Confederation. Now a Prime Minister comes to Alberta and tells us to settle for less than Quebec already has. How does that even make sense? Quebec stands up for itself, insists on respect and makes its interests impossible to ignore and is celebrated for protecting its identity and future. Alberta is doing that now, and Albertans are being lectured, labelled and told to know their place. Alberta has found its voice, and Albertans deserve a serious response to their concerns, not another lecture about why they should accept less. Those asking for our trust need to show us what they will do to earn it. Going into the vote, set aside the rhetoric from politicians who have suddenly banded together to tell you what is best. Ask yourself: Is Alberta getting a fair shake? Are you satisfied with Alberta’s current direction? What concrete changes would give you confidence in its future? Albertans living with the consequences of government decisions deserve a meaningful say in the future we are building for ourselves and the next generation. Expecting fair treatment should not be controversial. Neither should standing up for it.