featured CONTRIBUTIONS TO MEDIA
What the spectre of Alberta separatism means for Canada
In October, members of Alberta’s governing United Conservative Party (UCP) will elect a new leader who will then become Alberta’s next premier. A defining issue in this leadership race is Alberta’s place in Canadian Confederation, with several contenders openly discussing “sovereignty,” “autonomy” and even “independence.” Are Albertans really so keen to sever ties with the rest of Canada? Should Canadians pay much attention to the separatist movement in Alberta? To answer these questions, we looked at data from the recent Viewpoint Alberta survey.
(with Lisa Young, The Conversation, 14 Jul 2022)
Healing national tensions post-Ottawa occupation
Ottawa’s streets are quiet again, but Canada is still coping with the aftermath of an occupation that paralyzed the capital for more than three weeks. Jared Wesley, an associate professor of political science at the University of Alberta, talks to us about the government’s work that’s ahead post-protest; and Bruce Anderson, chairman of Abacus Data and Canadian political veteran, highlights how politicians can address the divide. (CBC's The Current, 22 Feb 2022)
How did we become so politically polarized in Canada?
Political polarization is happening in communities across Canada. From differing views on convoys, vaccines and mandates, everyone has a strong opinion and sometimes emotions run high. So how did it happen and what can be done to bridge the divide? University of Alberta political scientist Jared Wesley joined Gord Steinke to try and explain. (Global News, 7 Feb 2022)
Why Alberta lacks a mandate to reopen Canada's Constitution
As he has neither the mandate nor the intent to convene a constitutional conference, the rest of Canada should reject Premier Kenney's invitation. (The Conversation, 28 Oct 2021)
Financial insecurity and right-wing beliefs drive COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Albertans
Even if Alberta was motivated to increase vaccination rates through direct government intervention, the measures may not succeed given conservatives’ lack of faith in the province, the premier and the cabinet (The Conversation, 26 Oct 2021)
Who do Albertans think they are?
The province appears poised for a major political shift, says political scientist Jared Wesley
Equalization is a good constitutional bargain. Albertans should not vote to scrap it
There are ways to secure a fairer deal for Alberta in Confederation. This referendum is not one of those ways (CBC Opinion, 8 Oct 2021)
Can Canadian federalism cope with 21st century threats?
The pandemic and climate change are crises the Constitution's drafters never saw coming (CBC's The House, 3 July 2021)
Alberta, political culture, and the future of the federation
On the podcast, we spoke about his research and perspectives on the East/West divide in Canada, the future of federalism, and what’s happening in Alberta (InFocus with David Coletto, 1 Apr 2021)
Finding common ground
New research suggests more than half of Albertans believe the province’s best days are behind it. It’s one of several themes that emerged in a new survey from the Common Ground research initiative at the University of Alberta (West of Centre, 7 Nov 2020)
Who are you calling an Albertan?
What does it mean to be an Albertan? When you think of a “typical” Albertan, do you imagine a rancher? A rigger? A cowboy? A construction worker? How do we define, and redefine, what it means to be of this place? (Alberta Unbound, 5 May 2020)