What role does regional rivalry play in reinforcing Western Canadians' distinct identity from Central and Eastern Canada?

Regional rivalry plays a significant role in reinforcing Western Canadians' distinct identity, often deepening the sense of separation from Central and Eastern Canada through historical, political, and economic tensions. This rivalry, rooted in perceptions of marginalization and unfair treatment, has fostered a unique regional consciousness that sets Western Canada apart.

One of the primary drivers of this rivalry is the longstanding sentiment of Western alienation, which refers to the belief that the Western provinces—British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba—are politically and economically sidelined within Confederation compared to the more populous and influential provinces of Ontario and Quebec in Central Canada. This perception dates back to the 19th century, with early grievances centered on policies like John A. Macdonald’s National Policy, which Westerners viewed as favoring Eastern manufacturing over Western agriculture 12. Over time, this sense of inequity has evolved but persisted, with more recent frustrations focusing on natural resource management, particularly oil and gas, and a perceived lack of political clout in Ottawa relative to the West’s economic contributions 2.

The rivalry is further reinforced by a shared belief among Western Canadians that they are treated unfairly by the federal government. Polls indicate that a large majority of residents in the four Western provinces feel this way, a sentiment that unites the region despite internal differences in politics and identity 2. For instance, while British Columbia and Alberta may differ on various issues, they align in their frustration with Ottawa’s policies and perceived favoritism toward Central Canada 2. This common grievance has helped solidify a regional identity defined in opposition to the political dominance of Ontario and Quebec 13.

Politically, regional rivalry has manifested in the rise of Western protest parties and movements, both at provincial and federal levels, which have historically channeled feelings of disaffection and alienation into a distinct political culture. These parties, often emerging from a populist drive to challenge perceived elitism in national power structures, have reinforced Western identity as one of resistance to Central Canadian influence 4. This political action, coupled with a narrative "myth" of the West as a coherent and unified region, has created an emotional bond among Westerners, even when empirical evidence of sameness is lacking 4. The repeated emergence of such parties underscores a legacy of regional distinctiveness and a political consciousness that stands apart from the broader English Canadian culture 4.

Economically, the rivalry is evident in historical and ongoing disputes over resource control and revenue sharing. During the 1970s and 1980s, tensions peaked with policies like the National Energy Program, which Western provinces, particularly Alberta, saw as an overreach by Ottawa that undermined their autonomy over natural resources 3. This period highlighted broader issues of representation and regional autonomy, further entrenching the divide between Western and Central Canada 3. The perception that the West provides significant wealth through resources but receives inadequate return or respect from the federal government continues to fuel regional rivalry and shape a distinct identity 31.

In summary, regional rivalry reinforces Western Canadians’ distinct identity by amplifying feelings of alienation and marginalization from Central and Eastern Canada. Through historical grievances, political movements, and economic disputes, this rivalry has cultivated a regional consciousness that unites the West against perceived national inequities, even as internal differences persist within the region itself.

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_alienation
2. https://angusreid.org/new-west-western-identity/
3. https://canadahistory.com/sections/periods/Later_Canada/Trudeau/Western_Alienation.html
4. https://dspace.library.uvic.ca/bitstreams/d937e516-71f6-4663-ac02-feb2666a3c2e/download
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_identity
6. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/canadian-identity
7. https://www.environicsinstitute.org/projects/project-details/attachment-and-identity-in-the-canadian-federation
8. https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1011&context=planning_facpubs
9. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/discover-canada/read-online/canadas-regions.html
10. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskACanadian/comments/owmmdg/what_rivalries_exist_between_canadian_provinces/