Alberta's current debate about its future is heating up, but a key voice in the province's business community is raising an alarm: the conversation is becoming too emotional and not factual enough.
Mike Shaikh, a respected Calgary entrepreneur who arrived in Alberta in the early 1970s and built multiple successful businesses, argues that Albertans need to step back and examine the historical record before making sweeping decisions about the province's direction.
"Since arriving in Calgary decades ago, my wife and I have built a strong, healthy and successful family," Shaikh said in his commentary. "The business environment in Alberta and Canada gave me opportunities to succeed. But today's debate seems to be ignoring the facts."
A Historical Warning
Shaikh points to a pivotal moment in Alberta history — the early 1970s — when a separatist movement took root following the formation of OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries). After the Yom Kippur War, OPEC nations dramatically raised international oil prices from approximately $2.50 to around $12 per barrel in what was intended as punishment against Western nations.
That economic shock reverberated through Alberta, setting off a wave of separatist sentiment that many believed represented the province's economic future.
"Those who ignore history are condemned to repeat it," Shaikh said, quoting Spanish philosopher Jorge Santayana. "We need to ask ourselves hard questions about Alberta's future, but we need to base those questions on facts, not just emotion."
Engaging the Community
Albertans interested in this ongoing provincial debate are encouraged to join the conversation. Community forums like Calgary Forums provide spaces for residents to discuss local and provincial issues with their neighbours.
Shaikh's perspective raises important questions about how Albertans should evaluate policy proposals and long-term commitments during times of economic uncertainty. Whether the conversation moves toward more factual ground remains to be seen.
This article is based on commentary originally published by the Calgary Herald, reporting by Kyra Thompson.