Alberta has potential legal and constitutional avenues to gain more power within Canada, according to a new report from the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. However, the province must first prove its ability to govern effectively, says the report's author, Michael Rupert Binnion.

Binnion, who is the executive director of the Modern Miracle Network, emphasized the need for responsible governance in an interview. "We’re not even managing — fully and responsibly managing — areas that are within our jurisdiction of the Constitution as it’s written today," he stated.

The paper, titled "How the West Wins: Alberta’s Legal Pathway to Greater Power Within Canada," outlines how Alberta can assert control over various governance areas. These areas have been contentious in the province for over two decades, dating back to the Firewall Letter penned by Stephen Harper in 2001, prior to his tenure as prime minister.

Proposals include establishing an Alberta pension plan, creating a provincial police force, and gaining more authority over immigration and taxation, similar to the powers held by Quebec. Binnion argues that these powers are already available to Alberta under the Constitution.

He clarified that the paper does not advocate for Alberta to adopt a defensive stance. Instead, it encourages the province to mature and responsibly manage its affairs. "Why wouldn’t we be building the institutional capacity to govern ourselves better and more responsibly as well?" Binnion asked.

The report highlights a trend where the federal government has increasingly influenced provincial matters through environmental laws and transfer payments, which indirectly affect provincial policies, particularly in health care and universal daycare. Binnion believes that demonstrating responsible governance could serve as leverage for Alberta to seek further constitutional reforms or autonomy.

Additionally, the paper suggests that Alberta could redefine its relationships with Indigenous communities by transferring treaty responsibilities from the federal government to the province. Binnion writes, "If Alberta leads with legitimacy, not defiance, it can reshape the country from within, forging a stronger, more balanced Canada where provincial sovereignty is not only respected, but revitalized."

Currently, Binnion feels Alberta has not shown the institutional capacity for self-governance comparable to Quebec. He cited the provincial government's proposal to create an Alberta pension plan and withdraw from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). Public opinion shows that two-thirds of Albertans prefer to remain under the CPP, indicating a lack of trust in the provincial plan.

Binnion suggests that Alberta should gradually build its capacity and responsibility, such as taking over immigration or taxation duties. He noted that Quebec took two generations to develop its institutions and gain public confidence, resulting in greater influence within Confederation.

While Binnion does not advocate for Alberta's secession, he acknowledges that Quebec has developed sufficient self-governance that it could choose to leave Canada if desired. "We have the capability to grow up and be a big province and not be having a tantrum about not being treated fairly," he said. He believes that if Alberta adopts this approach, it could enhance its leverage on federal issues and earn greater respect within the federation.