When I think of people I know...some of them in uniform....attitudes have changed. From high school drop out oil patch rig workers to very educated professionals there has been a change in last 10 years.
They are incredibly proud of the country...most of them have come from other parts of Canada and/or USA due to the opportunities Alberta offered our parents and/or own families. But the last 10 years has changed attitudes in a manner it's tough to describe...some of the most patriotic people I know were questioning the value of Canada due to the Federal Gov't actions.
Even myself...a red conservative/blue liberal...felt a bunch of that 20 years ago. There is a huge East/West divide in the country frankly split across Northern Ontario. Always felt welcome in Northern Ontario but for the folks from S. Ontario (own extended family included) there is a severe disconnect on what life is like outside the Golden horse shoe and south shore of Quebec. Maritimer's get along with Albertans well because...well...so many of them are out here it's more like family reunions.
But despite the frustration there is also a simple desire...let me go to work, let me pay my bills, and quit micro-managing every aspect of my life and calling me evil because I work hard to support my family....especially when it is to buy votes in another part of the country.
A more positive tone, less vote buying in Central Canada at the cost of the west, and removal of some of the micro-managing aspects of Federal Policy/Legislation will help a ton.
Frankly if I was the Federal gov't I'd start with the MB Premier's list of nation-building infrastructure...a positive, mature response, directed at national benefit...and then look what can be done. It's a much better starting point than the AB Premier's whining list of change all legislation but does address some of the same concerns...and while shovels are digging then start to consider the more difficult piece of legislation change to be fairer across the country.
whatever.
