Former Prime Ministers Jean Chrétien and Stephen Harper recently participated in a discussion on national unity, hosted by the C.D. Howe Institute during the annual Aaron Regent dinner. The event, moderated by Bill Robson, aimed to gauge attendees' concerns about national unity before and after the discussion. While most guests expressed some level of concern initially, their worries lessened after hearing from the two leaders, who collectively served nearly 20 years as prime ministers.

At 91, Chrétien was lively and optimistic about Alberta's discontent within Canada, despite his limited support from the province during his tenure as the federal Liberal leader. He emphasized the importance of recognizing Indigenous rights in pipeline development and portrayed himself as a seasoned figure in the context of Quebec's independence referendums. However, he did not address his controversial handling of the 1995 referendum, which he narrowly won by just 1.16 percent.

Harper, who is recognized as Alberta's most successful federal politician, warned that failure to accommodate Alberta's ambitions for oil and gas exports could lead to significant issues. He noted that even Quebec separatists desire good relations with Canada, but he acknowledged that this stance is often a strategic move to further their independence goals.

The discussion also touched on the historical context of federal budgets, with Harper crediting Chrétien for initiating a period of balanced budgets. However, he did not mention that this was largely achieved by reducing federal spending in areas shared with provinces, which subsequently shifted financial burdens to municipalities and property owners.

Chrétien expressed pride in Canada's lower per capita debt compared to other advanced nations but overlooked the current negative cash flow and declining national income levels. The conversation left some attendees uneasy about Prime Minister Mark Carney's approach to policy, particularly in light of his recent controversial statements regarding international legal actions.

Both former leaders appeared to sidestep the complexities of Quebec's sovereignty and the rights of English-speaking Quebecers, focusing instead on the need for federal support for Alberta's energy sector. Harper's comments hinted at the potential for Alberta to secede if its needs are not met, suggesting that the province could become a landlocked republic and renegotiate energy agreements with the United States.

The discussion raised questions about the future of federalism in Canada, particularly in Quebec and Alberta. Carney has spoken of ambitious projects reminiscent of Canada's historical infrastructure achievements, but concerns remain about his commitment to addressing the economic challenges facing the country. If he continues to prioritize environmental policies perceived as overly restrictive, experts warn that Canada could face significant disintegration in the near future. The event underscored the urgent need for a cohesive national strategy that addresses the diverse interests of all provinces and territories.