Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Podcast: Rebel News Podcast
Episode: "EZRA LEVANT | Could judges jeopardize independence? Keith Wilson on Alberta's next steps"
Date: December 6, 2025
Host: Ezra Levant
Guest: Keith Wilson, King’s Counsel

This episode features an in-depth discussion between Ezra Levant and Keith Wilson, a prominent lawyer known for representing the Freedom Convoy and being closely involved in the Alberta independence movement. The conversation covers Alberta’s economic and political role in Canada, the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Mark Carney, the prospects for a new oil pipeline, growing independence sentiments in Alberta, recent legal developments, and the significant role of judges in Alberta’s quest for greater autonomy.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Alberta’s Unique Position in Canada (01:14–03:44)

• Ezra Levant frames Alberta as an "idea champion" of Canada—economically powerful, deeply invested in oil and gas, and home to numerous political movements.
  • Quote: “Alberta is the idea champion of the country economically, pound for pound person per person, it has a very high GDP because of the oil and gas industry. It’s the most free market of places and it has something in the air.” (01:34)
• Notes Alberta’s influence on political innovation, listing figures from Preston Manning to Stephen Harper.

2. The Smith-Carney Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) & Pipeline Prospects (04:26–15:22)

• Levant raises skepticism about the MoU, concerned that Alberta must increase carbon taxes immediately for only a long-term, uncertain promise of a pipeline (04:26–07:22).
• Danielle Smith’s response:
  • Emphasizes simultaneous carbon tax and pipeline negotiations, highlighting Alberta's leadership on industry carbon pricing (05:24–07:06).
  • Quote: “You don’t always get 100% of what you want. But we addressed seven out of the nine bad laws... and I think that this will allow us to see some substantial investments.” (07:06)
• Keith Wilson’s analysis:
  • Flatly dismisses the likelihood of a new pipeline to the West Coast: “No.” (12:13)
  • Outlines constitutional barriers—the federal government has exclusive jurisdiction, and granting BC or First Nations an effective veto is political, not legal.
  • Says business case is lacking and the MoU, while making some progress, “was oversold” and does not address fundamental Alberta grievances such as equalization, immigration, or deficits (14:44).

3. Liberal Party Divisions & Federal Environmental Policy (15:29–21:45)

• Levant and Wilson discuss turmoil within the Liberal party, referencing the resignation and vocal opposition of eco-activist former Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
• Wilson distinguishes between "eco evangelists" and more technocratic actors like Carney, whom he views as equally committed to the same ideological goals, if by stealthier means (17:20–18:24).
  • Quote (Keith Wilson): “Carney sees himself in a different class...he wants to get to the same goals that Guilbeault had. He just sees a more sophisticated, more nefarious way of getting there, which is through carbon taxes and other tools, things that aren’t as obvious.” (17:20)
• Skepticism about intentions and effectiveness of newly appointed Minister Tim Hodgson, described as more a financial operative than an ideologue (20:30–21:45).

4. The Politics of Pipelines & Central Planning (22:35–34:44)

• They compare the Canadian Pacific Railway’s nation-building legacy to today’s constraints in building pipelines.
• Discussion on whether direct government involvement de-risks pipelines; conclusion is negatives outweigh the positives due to massive costs and resulting uncompetitive tolls (28:17).
  • Quote (Keith Wilson): “The reason [Trans Mountain] is not full, imagine what the toll would be...if it costs $7 billion to build versus how much... when it costs $30 billion. The tolls are so high, it’s like they’re off the scale.” (28:17)
• Wilson argues that straightforward legislative fixes—like repealing parts of Bill C69—are being ignored in favor of centralized, exclusionary major project decision-making offices.
• Levant likens Ottawa’s current approach to Soviet-style economic planning, using Frederick Bastiat’s “spontaneous order” as a counterpoint (32:30–34:07).
  • Quote (Ezra Levant): “It reminds me of Goss Plan...the Soviet Planning Office...it was simply politicians trying to choose winners and losers, trying to orchestrate the economy.” (32:30)

5. UCP Convention Sentiment & Independence Movement (35:33–41:17)

• The UCP convention saw strong grassroots disapproval of the MoU and robust support for Alberta independence, highlighted by audience reactions and Jeffrey Rath’s outspoken support for a referendum (36:06–37:59).
• Wilson and Levant agree that the MoU does not resolve Alberta’s deep-seated issues with federal policy, spurring further independence activism.
• Quote (Keith Wilson): “This MoU does not resolve the fact that the Trudeau Liberals, now with the Carney Liberals have created more debt than all previous governments of Canada combined... they are not keeping us safe with their crazy two tier justice system…” (40:14)

6. Direct Democracy, Bill 14, and Judicial Intervention (41:39–51:44)

• Alberta’s "Citizens Initiative Act" originally allowed judicial review of referendum questions to ensure constitutionality; Alberta Prosperity Project tried to trigger an independence referendum, leading to court review.
• New government Bill 14 clarifies legislative intent: referenda are for people, not courts, and makes this retroactive (42:23–47:44).
  • Quote (Keith Wilson): “In our Westminster model of government, the parliament is supreme in lawmaking. They make the policies, they make the laws. If we don’t like what they do, we unelect them.” (46:32)
• Judge ruled against allowing the independence petition, but Wilson deems the ruling a “nothing burger” because new legislation renders it moot (48:44–50:39).
• A path is set for a formal independence referendum in 2026, contingent on signature thresholds and process timelines (50:39–51:25).

7. Judicial ‘Trickery’ & Democratic Obstacles (51:44–53:15)

• Levant expresses concern about U.S.-style judicial activism thwarting democratic projects (“spanner in the works”), predicting more judicial resistance to come (51:44).
  • Quote (Ezra Levant): “It reminds me a little bit of what Donald Trump is going through...there’s almost nothing that Trump does where a judge, often a Democrat activist appointee, at least temporarily derails it...I fear that’s the first of a dozen before.” (51:44–52:01)
• Wilson affirms his commitment to keeping public informed; their discussion closes with mutual respect for the challenges facing Alberta’s independence advocates (53:13).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------|-------| | 01:34 | Ezra Levant | “Alberta is the idea champion of the country economically, pound for pound person per person, it has a very high GDP because of the oil and gas industry...” | | 12:13 | Keith Wilson | “No.” [On whether a new Alberta pipeline to the West Coast will be built] | | 17:20 | Keith Wilson | “Carney sees himself in a different class...he wants to get to the same goals that Guilbeault had. He just sees a more sophisticated, more nefarious way of getting there...” | | 28:17 | Keith Wilson | “The tolls are so high, it’s like they’re off the scale.” | | 32:30 | Ezra Levant | “It reminds me of Goss Plan...the Soviet Planning Office...” | | 46:32 | Keith Wilson | “In our Westminster model of government, the parliament is supreme in lawmaking...If we don’t like what they do, we unelect them.” | | 51:44–52:01| Ezra Levant | “It reminds me a little bit of what Donald Trump is going through... I fear that’s the first of a dozen before...” |

Important Segment Timestamps

• Alberta’s Role & MoU Intro: 01:14–04:26
• Smith on the MoU & Policy: 04:26–07:22
• Keith Wilson on Pipeline Prospects: 12:13–15:22
• Liberal Party Internal Divisions: 15:29–21:45
• Pipeline Economics & Federal Law: 22:35–34:44
• UCP Convention Reactions: 35:33–41:17
• Bill 14 & Court Challenges: 41:39–51:44
• Final Judicial & Political Reflections: 51:44–53:15

Tone and Language

The discussion is candid, combative, and sharply critical of federal policy, using analogies and historical perspective. Both host and guest employ direct language, skepticism, and occasional humor, while grounding their arguments in law, economics, and personal experience.

This summary offers a comprehensive view of the episode’s themes, arguments, and most significant moments for those seeking to understand Alberta’s fraught independence debate and the obstacles posed by federal-provincial relations, party politics, and legal hurdles.