Western Alienation in Canada, Policy Analysis

Abstract

Regionalism is a defining characteristic of Canadian domestic politics. Since the Western provinces have joined the confederation, with a particular focus on the Prairie region of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, there has been consistent tension with West and Ottawa. In this paper I provide historical analysis of Western alienation, providing critical context as to the current political climate in the region. The policy options that have been currently pursued are scrutinized, providing insight on to why they have not quelled Western frustrations. I then explore the similar case of regional isolation with regards to the Appalachian region of the south-eastern region of the United States and their successful integration of an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) as a potential solution to address growing sentiments of political dissolution in the Canadian Prairie region. I propose a provincial-federal partnership between Ottawa and the Prairie provincial governments as a practical means to address this phenomenon, as well as providing insight as to how such a model may operate in practice, allowing for provincial and federal cooperation under the context of growing threats of American annexation.