It was a good day for Canada! 
On October 19, 2026, Albertans went to the polls. There were ten questions on a lengthy and complicated ballot, but only one really mattered to the health of the sovereign nation of Canada. The tenth question asked whether Alberta should remain within Canada or pursue a path toward a binding referendum on separating from Canada. The results were decisive. Over 1.5 million citizens cast their ballots to ensure that Alberta remain a province in Canada. They won with over 75% of the vote – that’s a convincing majority by any standard.
For me this vote was particularly meaningful. In my many years of travel across Canada, the landscape of Alberta became part of my DNA. I have canoed the Bow River, hiked the Plain of Six Glaciers trail in Lake Louise, marvelled at the beauty of the Moraine Lake Rockpile trail in Banff, driven the majestic Icefields Parkway, and re-energized my teaching spirit at countless outdoor and experiential education conferences in magnificent Kananaskis country. From hoodoos to hot springs, from oil rigs to cattle ranches, from honouring First Peoples Treaty rights to hosting Olympic Games, from the Calgary Stamped to Drumheller dinosaurs, Alberta is an integral part of our history and future.
From the early 1970’s to the present day, Alberta became part of my DNA. One of my lifelong friends, and one of the wisest educators I know, lives in Calgary. We shared many Alberta Teacher conferences in Kananaskis country over the years. He helped plan my wedding, and reception in a beautiful outdoor ceremony on the banks of the Bow River all under the gaze of the Three Sisters. Alberta memories are held deep in my heart. That is why I am so happy that we didn’t separate.
Still, there is a quarter of the Alberta voting population that chose to leave Canada. So, until the long emigration to Montana is complete, it would not be a good idea to wear “Fuddle Duddle“, “Just Watch Me“, or “A Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian” T-shirts in certain areas of Alberta. In places like Central Peace-Notley, Innisfail, Spirit River, Fairview, Falher, and Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, those “The Father and Son Who Must Not Be Named” sentiments run deep.
It’s like bringing up the name of former Premier Mike Harris at an educator’s reunion of those who taught during the Common Nonsense Revolution. This too shall pass. The way I see it.
Skid Crease, Canada