597 replies to this topic

[dasmo]

It would make a lot of lawyers rich.

[todd]

In spite of all the barriers and the comparisons to the 'disaster of Brexit' and failures of Quebec, there does seem to be a lot of support for seperation, including from some very intelligent people I know in Alberta. 

That said, when the rubber hits the road, I do not expect it will happen, I don't think the referendum will pass.

Was in Belfast recently, Rick Steves said the best way to see the peace walls was by taxi.. I said to the taxi driver I just want to see the peace walls.. told me to hop up front and took it upon himself at no extra charge to give me the full meal tour, had me hopping in and out of the taxi. He was anxious to discuss the Canadian comparisons with me

[lanforod]

I don't think there is much of a comparison there. Alberta and Quebec seperatism isn't driven by divisive Christian Catholicism vs Protestantism like it is in Northern Ireland.

[Mike K.]

Holy smokes. Was your teacher an electrician?

[lanforod]

Nope. Where am I wrong? Happy to learn...

[Mike K.]

Northern Ireland belongs to the UK, and Ireland is an independent country not part of the UK.

 

Protestants tend to be pro-Empire loyalists, and Catholics tend to be pro-independence from the UK, and pro-unification of Ireland with Northern Ireland.

 

Ireland is a predominantly Catholic country. Northern Ireland is predominantly Protestant.

 

So the issue at its core is not religious divisiveness but something much greater than that, which happens to also be defined along religious lines. It's complex, but hopefully I've made it make a little bit of sense.

[todd]

I don't think there is much of a comparison there. Alberta and Quebec seperatism isn't driven by divisive Christian Catholicism vs Protestantism like it is in Northern Ireland.

"The Troubles" said to be fueled by the US civil rights movement. Separatist movements can become as bad as invasion from outside the country, even if only a small percentage of the population wants separation.

The FLQ Crisis was much before my time, family members in Ottawa speak of the military setting up in the school field down the street. Then there was the Oka Crisis

Not sure you can say that religion was the only problem in Northern Ireland. Is Alberta values different from British Columbia values?

[todd]

Holy smokes. Was your teacher an electrician?

I don't know. I was instructed what to take photos of. Honestly some of my photos were so graphic I deleted them not wanting to see them again

Recommend Belfast though! Good time, reminded me a bit of Victoria, good sense of humour

Edited by todd, 25 May 2026 - 10:58 AM.

[Mike K.]

What was so graphic about them?

[m3m]

Mike K is right. The Troubles were a direct result of settler colonialism.

[Victoria Watcher]

The Troubles was terrorism. If you want change bring it about through consensus and democracy. Like Hitler did after his 1923 issue.

[m3m]

The Troubles was terrorism. If you want change bring it about through consensus and democracy. Like Hitler did after his 1923 issue.

Uhhhh you’re sure that’s the example u want to use ?

[todd]

Mike K is right. The Troubles were a direct result of settler colonialism.

A "plantation". The Plantation of Ulster was apparently to gain control over the region

[todd]

What was so graphic about them?

Just photos of information boards posted around town.

[Victoria Watcher]

 

 

Alberta Fact Check: No, free speech is not a threat to democracy

 

The town of Taber contacted a billboard companying implying an ad expressing a political opinion on Alberta independence may need to be removed.

 

https://www.rebelnew...at_to_democracy

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 04 June 2026 - 04:16 PM.

[spanky123]

^ Sort of how things work. You can't use a Government emblem or any other copyrighted material in an ad without permission. Applies to all ads, political or not. 

[dasmo]

I think they made that symbol copyright free.

[Victoria Watcher]