Pushing boundaries

Separatism is in court (again), as several First Nations try to thwart a referendum on Alberta independence. The group collecting signatures to trigger a referendum on separation says it already has more than the required number of signatures. It expects the Smith government to put its question on the ballot, even if a judge rules against the petition.

Meanwhile, Alberta’s education minister has tabled a bill aimed at getting politics and ideology out of the classroom. It mandates that teachers present all issues in a neutral and unbiased way, and limits the display of flags in schools.

And an effort to redraw Alberta’s electoral ridings is drawing criticism. Two commissioners appointed by the UCP have mapped out boundaries of their own that are vastly different from the commission’s majority report. It has both the Alberta NDP and the judge who chaired the commission warning the government not to go there.

Jason Markusoff is in the West of Centre host chair this week. Joining him are Erika Barootes, former principal secretary to premier Danielle Smith; Annalise Klingbeil, who worked in Rachel Notley's government; and University of Calgary political scientist Lisa Young.

• Host: Jason Markusoff
• Guests: Erika Barootes, Annalise Klingbeil, Lisa Young
• Producer: Diane Yanko