In a provocative piece, Carson Jerema argues that Canada has become overly polite regarding Alberta's separatist sentiments, suggesting that the government should take a firmer stance against such movements. He reflects on historical instances, particularly referencing the 1885 uprising led by Louis Riel, where the Canadian government responded decisively to threats of dismemberment by suppressing the rebellion. The legacy of Riel's execution and the violent resolution of that conflict still resonate in contemporary Canadian politics and society, highlighting deep-seated divisions.

Jerema contends that the current discourse surrounding Alberta's calls for independence reflects an unsettling trend of indecision and uncertainty about Canada's national identity. He suggests that the government's reluctance to explicitly reject separatist sentiments could undermine the country's unity and sovereignty. By failing to assert its authority and express outright disapproval of separatism, Canada risks emboldening those who seek to challenge its existence.

The piece ultimately calls for a serious examination of how much the country is willing to tolerate threats to its integrity. Jerema argues that a serious government should not concede to separatist narratives, which he perceives as detrimental to the unity that Canada worked hard to achieve. In light of past events, he emphasizes the importance of a determined, clear stance against such movements to reinforce national sovereignty and cohesion.