by Nadine Wellwood
«Today’s episode features Professor Bruce Pardy (constitutional lawyer, author of a proposed Alberta Declaration of Independence and Alberta Constitution) and Dr. A.W. Barber (University of Calgary professor and Western Standard columnist). We break down what a truly free Alberta would require—and why simply shifting power from Ottawa to Edmonton isn’t enough.
Bruce explains his core framework: freedom = no coercion, flipping the default so the state has no power except specific, limited functions (keep the peace, resolve disputes, defend the country). A.W. Barber agrees with the principles, but presses for precision in wording to reduce ambiguity, litigation, and “process as punishment.”
We also tackle real-world implications: self-defence, home invasion scenarios, proportionality vs “reasonable limits,” how courts interpret constitutional language, term limits, elected judges, limiting precedent, the risk of concentrating power in one government, and why taxes like property tax can become coercive.
If Alberta is serious about sovereignty/independence, this is the deeper question: What constitutional architecture actually protects citizens—especially when bad actors are in power?
Guests: Bruce Pardy + Dr. A.W. Barber
Host: Nadine Wellwood»