Podcast Summary: "The Future of Alberta: A Special Interview with Brett Wilson"

Podcast: Rebel News Podcast
Host: Ezra Levant
Guest: Brett Wilson (Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Alberta Investor)
Date: February 16, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode centers on a detailed conversation between Ezra Levant and Brett Wilson about Alberta’s future, specifically in the context of the rising independence movement and ongoing grievances with the federal government. Wilson, a notable business leader and long-time advocate for Alberta, shares his candid take on separation, collaboration among western provinces, and the political landscape both within Alberta and Canada at large. The dialogue is a blend of political strategy, economic insight, and Alberta pride.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Alberta's Independence Referendum and Premier Danielle Smith’s Stance

• [03:35-06:35]
  • Ezra opens the discussion asking if Premier Danielle Smith is taking the right approach by not condemning the independence movement, but allowing the process to unfold as per legal requirements.
  • Brett Wilson commends Smith, saying:

    “Allowing people to have a voice is probably one of the most important things we can do for the people in our country… The fact that she’s open to the conversation, I think, is incredibly professional on her part.” (Brett Wilson, 05:09)

  • Wilson expresses admiration for Smith’s and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe’s leadership, contrasting them with other provincial leaders.

2. The Purpose of the Referendum: Negotiating Power vs. True Separation

• [07:46-08:46]
  • Ezra suggests referendums can be strategic leverage (“or else”) for negotiations, citing Quebec’s approach:

    “Isn’t this referendum a great way of getting the attention of the rest of Canada?... Isn’t it a good or else?” (Ezra Levant, 07:46)

  • Wilson agrees, not outright rejecting separation, but prioritizing collaboration among the western provinces as more effective:

    “Collaboration gets us a better outcome than trying to separate.” (Brett Wilson, 09:38)

3. Equalization and Economic Frustrations

• [09:56-10:46]
  • Both speakers voice frustration with the federal equalization system:

    “It’s the goofiness and inappropriateness of equalization—the fact that Quebec comes out $10, $12, $15 billion a year ahead because they refuse to acknowledge that they have hydro power… That’s amazing.” (Brett Wilson, 09:38)

4. Respect, Identity, and Hypocrisy

• [12:37-13:36]
  • Ezra and Wilson highlight the lack of respect for Alberta from the rest of Canada, noting social and political slights:

    “Give us your money, but we’re going to slander you and your industries. It’s a lack of respect… but it actually is sort of important, I think, to human beings. They need to feel respected.” (Ezra Levant, 12:37)

  • Wilson references Alberta singer Paul Brandt’s shunning due to perceived separatist sympathies as symbolic of broader issues.

    “The government of Alberta allowed the Teachers association to punt Paul on the perception that he was a separatist…” (Brett Wilson, 13:36)

5. Energy Politics: Pipelines, Power, and International Relations

• [18:16-21:47]
  • Ezra asks about progress on the Mark Carney MOU and whether real investment is following. Wilson is skeptical:

    “Alex Porvey, executive chairman of Synovus, came out and said, ‘Until I can sell oil to the world, there’s not much point in us increasing our capacity.’” (Brett Wilson, 19:38)

  • Wilson describes the new investment in a power plant near Grand Prairie and dissects the realities of electricity production in Canada, advocating for practical solutions including natural gas and, with reservations, nuclear.

6. Carney, the “New World Order,” and the Influence on Independence

• [22:42-24:09]
  • Ezra attributes renewed independence momentum partly to Mark Carney’s approach, which many Albertans see as out-of-touch and adversarial:

    “I think Albertans are thinking independence gets us to solve old problems, but it also lets… If Carney wants to muck about on his own, let's just… I just think he’s actually driving some Albertans away with some of his more radical moves.” (Ezra Levant, 22:42)

7. The Nature of Separation: Not Physical, But Bureaucratic

• [24:09-25:09]
  • Wilson cautions against the notion of a literal split, calling separation “only paperwork” and continuing to advocate for regional collaboration:

    “Separation isn’t physical. It’s only paperwork. If it’s only paperwork, why don’t we work collaboratively so that we can grow a nation within a nation, not a province, but a nation?” (Brett Wilson, 24:09)

8. The Search for Leadership in the Independence Movement

• [25:09-27:26]
  • Ezra observes the movement is “leaderless,” lacking a figure of gravitas akin to Preston Manning or René Lévesque.
  • Wilson acknowledges no high-profile political leader has stepped forward, but says influencers are creating “lots of noise”:

    “But no, I’ve not seen or heard of anybody with existing high political profile looking to migrate over… I just don’t think there’s anybody that I’m aware of that’s ready to step up and play an active role.” (Brett Wilson, 26:26)

9. Western Regional Identity and the Power of Collaboration

• [15:14-16:43]
  • Wilson underscores the need for Western provinces and territories to form a strong bloc, similar to Atlantic Canada:

    “There’s a group of small provinces on the east coast that work collaboratively… All we want to be is Western Canada. And that’s my pitch.” (Brett Wilson, 15:14)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Premier Smith’s stance:

  “Allowing people to have a voice is probably one of the most important things we can do for the people in our country… The fact that she’s open to the conversation, I think, is incredibly professional.” (Brett Wilson, 05:09)

• On separation as leverage:

  “Isn’t this referendum a great way of getting the attention of the rest of Canada?... Isn’t it a good or else?” (Ezra Levant, 07:46)

• On collaborating across the West:

  “Collaboration gets us a better outcome than trying to separate.” (Brett Wilson, 09:38)

• On equalization frustration:

  “It’s the goofiness and inappropriateness of equalization…” (Brett Wilson, 09:38)

• On Alberta’s lack of gratitude received:

  “When was the last… it’s been the opposite of thank you. It’s you plundering stupid cowboy like…” (Ezra Levant, 15:30)

• On seeking leadership:

  “I just don’t think there’s anybody that I’m aware of that’s ready to step up and play an active role.” (Brett Wilson, 26:26)

Segment Timestamps

• [03:35] – Start of main interview with Brett Wilson
• [05:09] – Brett’s appraisal of Smith’s approach to the independence debate
• [07:46] – Ezra on “or else” strategy, Quebec-style political leverage
• [09:38] – Wilson on collaboration versus outright separation
• [13:36] – Wilson’s story about Paul Brandt and Alberta pride
• [19:38] – The reality of oil investment and the impact of infrastructure bottlenecks
• [21:44] – Discussion of new power plant project near Grand Prairie
• [22:42] – Carney’s politics as a driver of petition strength
• [24:09] – Wilson’s metaphor on “paperwork” separation and collaboration
• [26:26] – Ezra and Wilson discuss the search for a new leader in the movement

Takeaways for New Listeners

• Brett Wilson, a respected Alberta business leader, is not advocating pure separation but strong Western collaboration for political influence.
• The current independence movement lacks a charismatic or recognizable leader, despite significant grassroots mobilization.
• Frustration with federal policies—especially equalization, energy blockades, and perceived disrespect—are driving Alberta’s mood.
• Practical issues (pipelines, market access, energy policy) remain intertwined with larger cultural and regional identity concerns.
• The referendum, even if not successful, serves as a critical negotiating tool for Alberta’s demands within Confederation.
• Wilson’s central message: Unity among Western provinces will yield more for Alberta than outright separation.

Tone:
Candid, folksy, assertive—reflecting both speakers’ deep ties to Alberta and their pragmatism in navigating Canada’s political and economic challenges.