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On the surface it appears Canadians are sick of each other.

In 2018 there were talks of separation, tensions boiling over unfair transfer payments, massive public rallies, opposition to development and a mini-trade war.

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But the problem isn’t with the people; Canadians are united. The problem is with politicians. A core role of government is dispute avoidance and resolution. Yet, politicians are ducking accountability for their failures on this front and pitting Canadians against each other.

Over 150 years ago, Canadian founder George Brown called for Confederation to “throw down all barriers between the provinces — to make a citizen of one, citizen of the whole.”

Contrast that call for unity with Quebec Premier François Legault’s recent remark that “there is no social acceptance for a pipeline that would pass through Quebec territory.” He went on to deride Alberta oil as “dirty energy.” Unsurprisingly, Legault’s comments ignited blowback from Albertans. Alberta’s former leader of the opposition, Brian Jean, fired back. “Fine. There is no social acceptability in Alberta for any Quebec product whatsoever. Let the boycott begin.”