Is Canada About to Break Apart?

Prof James Ker-Lindsay May 2, 2025
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Prof James Ker-Lindsay

@jameskerlindsay

About

"...an authoritative voice...to help one make sense of a surprising amount of the international news." - E-International Relations (www.e-ir.info) Hello and welcome. My name is James Ker-Lindsay, and here I take an informed look at international relations, conflict, and security. I hold a PhD in International Conflict Analysis and was for many years a senior research fellow and visiting professor at the London School of Economics, as well as a research associate at Oxford University. I have published over 15 books on ethnic and territorial conflicts, including "Secession and State Creation: What Everyone Needs to Know (Oxford University Press), and "The Foreign Policy of Counter-Secession" (Oxford University Press). I have also served as an advisor or consultant to a number of governments and international organisations, including the United Nations. Thanks for watching, and don’t forget to subscribe for regular in-depth analysis of global politics.

Video Description

Could Canada be facing a new push toward political fragmentation? While Quebec’s long-standing independence movement has captured global attention for decades, a quieter but growing separatist sentiment has been building in Alberta. Fuelled by economic grievances, political marginalisation, and dissatisfaction with federal policies—especially under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau—many Albertans now question whether remaining in Canada serves their interests. This video explores the historical roots of separatism in both Quebec and Alberta, the evolving constitutional framework provided by the Clarity Act, and how Alberta's political climate has been shaped by energy policy, equalisation payments, and federal election results. Recent developments have reignited debate. The surprise 2024 re-election of Donald Trump and the Liberal Party’s continued dominance in Ottawa have deepened Albertan discontent. Premier Danielle Smith has hinted at the possibility of a referendum, especially if federal policies threaten the province’s economic lifelines. With movements like Wexit and the Maverick Party gaining traction, and even talk of Alberta joining the United States circulating, the stakes are rising. While full secession remains unlikely in the near term, growing regional dissatisfaction could have profound implications—not just for Alberta, but for the unity of Canada as a whole. Could a new wave of Western separatism reshape the country’s future? *VIDEO CHAPTERS* 00:00 Introduction and Titles 00:43 Secession and Politics in Canada 01:28 Canada and Alberta: Location and Population 02:12 The Emergence of Modern Canada 04:12 Quebec Secessionism in Canadian Politics 07:03 The Origins of the Alberta Independence Movement 08:50 Albertan Independence Movement, 2015-2024 11:15 The Current Factors Behind Albertan Separatism 12:53 Could Alberta Break Away from Canada? *SUPPORT THE CHANNEL* If you like my videos, please subscribe or become a Channel Member. Thank you! SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE http://www.youtube.com/c/JamesKerLindsay?sub_confirmation=1 BECOME A CHANNEL MEMBER http://www.youtube.com/c/JamesKerLindsay/join *MY LATEST BOOK!* Secession and State Creation: What Everyone Needs to Know Oxford University Press https://global.oup.com/academic/product/secession-and-state-creation-9780190494049 Amazon https://amzn.to/2MPY3W2 Some of the links above are affiliate links. These pay a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps to support the channel at no additional cost to you. #Canada #Alberta #Quebec

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