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