Alberta is holding a referendum on October 19, where we are being asked to vote on pursuing separation from Canada, denying services to residents without permanent immigration status, and reducing the accountability of the provincial government. I am strongly opposed to all of these things and will absolutely be voting to stay in Canada and reject the nine other proposals. NDP MLA David Shepherd suggested on bluesky that people post art, songs, poetry, etc expressing their feelings about Alberta and Canada. This is my modest contribution:
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My province is a festival
where everyone rubs shoulders,
and anyone can take the stage.
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My province is a mountain range,
ancient and sublime,
defying all human pretension.
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My province is an aspen forest
where many little kindreds
live between the sister trees.
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My province is a potluck dinner
where you are welcome
even if you can’t cook.
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My province is a green light
dancing mysteriously
for those who lift their eyes
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On a lighter note, I also wrote these lyrics earlier this year:
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(Tune of Oh Susanna)
I like to live in Canada
Where friends from far and near
Are free to live and free to love
And free to brew real beer
Oh Alberta,
October 19 is the day
To vote to stay in Canada;
Maple Maga go away!
*
I like to live in Canada
Canada is nice
I may have to shovel snow
But I won’t get snatched by ICE
Oh Alberta,
October 19 is the day
To vote to stay in Canada;
Maple Maga go away!
*
I like to live in Canada
Canada is wide
We stand up for our anthem
And mumble it with pride
(still tune of Oh Susanna)
Oh Canada. . .
(awkward pause)
We stand on guard today
We’ll vote to stay in Canada
Maple Maga go away!