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Sayers said a prime minister could likely cut transfers of wayward provinces — though it would be complex and it could be subject to legal challenges if it was seen as arbitrary — but the political repercussions would likely be significant.

Such a move would likely unite provinces together against Ottawa and would end up punishing the citizens of the affected province as much as the offending government, said Sayers, who studies Canadian federalism.

“It’s doable but very difficult,” he said. “And to what effect? If you take out too much, all you do is ruin your relationship with the local voters. You might hurt Rachel Notley, perhaps, but actually you’re hurting Albertans.”

But Ken Hughes, a former Progressive Conservative MP and provincial cabinet minister who is advising O’Leary in Alberta, said the idea of cutting transfers is workable.

“It is a credible threat and it is a credible tool,” Hughes said in an interview following the event.

“The government of Canada only has influence in certain areas … that are provincial jurisdiction because they use spending power. And so, there are ways to withhold resources as well.”

O’Leary is often compared to Donald Trump, who rode a high-profile business career and celebrity status into the White House.

But O’Leary said that beyond their backgrounds in business television, and their social media presence, he and the new United States president have little else in common.

He said that unlike Trump, he believes in free trade and immigration.

“I am not Trump in any way or measure,” said O’Leary. “My strategy is to take advantage of our inclusiveness.”

jwood@postmedia.com