Open Letter to Alberta and Premier Danielle Smith — From the Leader of the Ontario Centrist Party

Mansoor Qureshi
Leader, Ontario Centrist Party
ontariocentristparty.ca
April 30, 2025

To: The Honourable Danielle Smith
Premier of Alberta
Office of the Premier
Edmonton, Alberta

Subject: A Respectful Appeal for Unity and Partnership

Dear Premier Smith and the citizens of Alberta,

I write to you today not as a partisan, and not as a critic, but as a fellow Canadian—and as the Leader of the Ontario Centrist Party.

This recent federal election has stirred strong emotions across the country. In Alberta, it has reignited longstanding frustrations—about fairness, recognition, and whether the federation still reflects the values and contributions of your province. I don’t dismiss that. I respect it. And I want to speak directly to it.

Let me say this first, without qualification: Alberta matters. It matters to our economy, to our national identity, and to the future of this country.

But I also want to ask—respectfully and sincerely—is walking away really the answer?

Today, I offer a case not out of fear, but out of hope: hope that Alberta will continue to lead within Canada. This message is informed by voices from across the country: national experts, Alberta-based leaders, and everyday citizens in Ontario who want to build this country, not break it.

Separation will cost more than it solves. It brings immense uncertainty: from trade relationships and investor confidence to infrastructure jurisdiction and regulatory chaos. Alberta would face the task of building sovereign military, immigration, and foreign policy institutions from scratch. Disentangling from the central bank, pension system, and national programs would take years—possibly decades—and come at great cost to every Albertan.

Even more critically, Alberta’s long-term influence—its ability to shape national policy, advocate for industry, and protect its future—is far greater from within Confederation than from outside of it. Inside Canada, Alberta has allies. It has leverage. And it has the power to drive national conversations on energy, innovation, and taxation.

Outside of it, Alberta becomes a negotiating party—not a decision-maker. That’s not independence. That’s isolation.

Beyond the economic and political implications, there is something even more important to consider: the bond we share as Canadians. In times of crisis—fires, floods, pandemics—we do not ask which province needs help. We just show up. We send what we have. We carry each other.

No federation is perfect. Ours certainly isn’t. But it’s not beyond reform. It is, however, worth preserving.

As a father, a community leader, and a citizen, I often think about what we teach the next generation. Do we show them that frustration justifies fracture? Or do we model what it means to lead with patience, courage, and principle—even when it’s hard?

My commitment to you, and to Alberta, is this: the Ontario Centrist Party will fight for a federation that listens better, respects more, and works smarter. We support equalization reform. We support energy leadership that includes Alberta—not just consults it. And we support real transparency in federal-provincial dialogue, because trust requires it.

Premier Smith, Alberta is not a problem to be managed. It is a partner to be respected.

You are not alone. And you don’t have to go it alone.

Let’s not walk away from one another. Let’s lead the way forward—together.

With the highest regard and respect,

Mansoor Qureshi
Leader, Ontario Centrist Party

After the 2025 Election: Ontario’s Voice of Reason

Good evening, fellow Ontarians and Canadians,

In the wake of the federal election, I want to offer a few reflections—not just as the Leader of the Ontario Centrist Party, but as a citizen of this country who deeply values democracy and unity.

First, congratulations to Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal Party on forming the next government. We may hold differing political views, but democratic outcomes deserve respect. We wish the new government wisdom, integrity, and an open heart in service to all Canadians.

But let’s also be honest—this election stirred up a lot more than results.

Ontario Doesn’t Run from Responsibility

We’ve seen tension. We’ve seen blame. But let’s set the record straight.

Ontario shows up.

  • We vote in high numbers.

  • We carry our weight in every federal decision.

  • We lead with calm, not chaos.

We didn’t rig anything. We did our democratic duty—and we did it with integrity.

When Canada needs common sense and steady leadership, Ontario steps up. We don’t do it for credit—we do it because it’s the right thing to do.

So yes, we expect respect—not because we’re sensitive, but because we’ve earned it.

What We Stand For

At the Ontario Centrist Party, we aren’t chasing headlines or clout. We stand for:

  • Strong ideas over strong personalities

  • Unity over division

  • Solutions that work, no matter where they come from

We support policies that bring Canadians together, expand opportunity, and strengthen families and communities.

What’s Working at the Federal Level

Let’s acknowledge some wins:

  • Childcare affordability has improved life for working families.

  • Transit and green infrastructure investments have created jobs and reduced emissions.

  • New healthcare agreements—while imperfect—have added much-needed support.

  • Immigration policies have filled labour gaps and enriched our society.

These deserve credit.

But Challenges Remain

  • Housing affordability is slipping further out of reach.

  • Immigration support systems need strengthening—connection matters.

  • National unity is fraying, and finger-pointing isn’t the answer.

  • Economic pressures demand steady, disciplined leadership.

Ontario’s Role Moving Forward

We’re not here to fan flames.

We’re here to do the work—just like the entrepreneurs, teachers, healthcare workers, and families across this province who move us forward every day.

Ontario isn’t loud. But when we speak, we speak with purpose.

We don’t claim to have all the answers. But we do expect a seat at the table—and an equal voice in shaping Canada’s path.

Let’s Raise the Standard

This wasn’t a turning point. It was a test. And now, it’s time to show who we are—not as partisans, but as Canadians.

Let’s drop the drama, raise the standard, and move forward—together.

Ontario is ready.

Thank you for watching,
Mansoor Qureshi
Leader, Ontario Centrist Party

Ontario’s Honest Look at the 2025 Federal Election

We’re just days away from a federal election that could reshape the direction of the country. But for many Ontarians, the mood isn’t hopeful or inspired—it’s uncertain. And for good reason.

In this update, I speak plainly about the growing discomfort many of us feel when we look at our choices.

  • The Liberals have introduced legislation like Bill C-11, C-63, and C-26 that—while framed as public interest—raise serious concerns about privacy, free speech, and government overreach.

  • The Conservatives are leaning into stronger punitive measures and emergency powers. While security matters, there’s a thin line between safety and suppressing rights.

  • The NDP, despite good intentions, have spent years backing Liberal moves that many now view as compromising democratic accountability.

As Ontarians, we’re watching this unfold and asking: Where’s the voice of balance?

That’s where the Centrist Party comes in. Not to fan flames or play sides—but to insist on policies that are thoughtful, transparent, and rooted in real-world outcomes, not ideology.

This video lays it out plainly. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch and reflect—not just on who to vote for, but why.

Ontario deserves more than slogans. We deserve a say.
Let’s make it count. Let’s get to work.

Your Vote Is Powerful — But It Has to Be Thoughtful

This election, there’s a lot of emotion in the air—and for good reason. People are upset. The situation in Palestine and Israel is devastating, and it’s affecting how many voters are thinking about their choices.

Let me start by saying: I understand that. These are real issues that touch people deeply.

But as the Leader of the Ontario Centrist Party, I have to be clear—foreign policy is not something we control at the provincial level. Our job is to make decisions that impact your everyday life in Ontario:

  • Can you get the healthcare you need?

  • Is your child’s school doing right by them?

  • Can you afford to live in your own city?

  • Are jobs and small businesses being supported?

These are the things we work on. And these are the issues your provincial vote directly affects.

I also want to say something that might not be popular, but I think it’s important:
Voting based on one emotional issue—no matter how real—can lead to outcomes you didn’t intend. A lot of politicians are counting on that. They’ll say one thing to win your vote, and do something else once they have power.

This is why we need to take a step back and vote with a clear head.

Here’s what I ask of you:

  • Look at who’s actually aligned with your values across the board—not just on one issue.

  • Start with local impact. That’s where change begins.

  • Stay grounded. Emotions matter, but decisions made in anger or grief often get used against us.

  • Be thoughtful in how you express yourself. Protests and advocacy are important. But criminal behaviour or division won’t bring change—it only sets us back.

If we want things to get better—for everyone—we have to vote with intention, not just emotion.

Thanks for taking the time to reflect on this.
Let’s make it count.

– Mansoor Qureshi
Leader, Ontario Centrist Party