If you're a proud Albertan - consider this your warning!

Okay, I have to do this. I've held off for so long. I'm a proud westerner, Saskatchewan born and raised. I even admit I was one of those flatlanders who couldn't wait to cross the border to the land of the rockies, and younger bar age. I spent 8 years in Alberta - thought I wanted to live in Calgary forever, like there was nowhere else to be. Then, a friend talked me into visiting the east coast - and it started to change. I was an ass when I first came out here, I wanted my starbucks, my internet connection and cell phone reception - it was a shock to the system - I loved the east coast but couldn't wait to get to my downtown apartment and concrete heaven - it wasn't home if there wasn't a homeless person on every corner. That attitude faded as the visits followed. Finally - I got to the point, where I was "done" in Calgary, it was time for change and the east coast was something I wanted to "give a try for a couple of years".

So, fast forward - two years passsed in September and I'm still here - in Halifax.

I have defended Alberta since I moved here. I get accused of having that "western attitude" and up until about a month ago, I took pride in that "western attitude".

But, I've noticed lately the utter misconception of the east coast by most westerners a.k.a. Albertans.

If I hear one more "joke" about maritime slackers I'm going to start deleting contacts -- I can understand how it's comes about - but just because maritimers know what the meaning of quality of life is.. doesn't make them slackers. They work - and they play - maybe Alberta should take a couple of lessons, and there would be less divorce and therapy bills.

Try telling an Albertan that they should move out here - and it's like "what! leave all this!" -- and I say to them, you're right - if all you care about is working 12 - 14 hours a day and being able to brag to your friends in your leased SUV about how much you're making in the Alberta oil boom - then so be it - stay in Alberta - we don't want you out here anyway..


I love the water, the rocks, (not the salt in the winter) -the trees and swimmable lakes in the middle of the city. I love the independent coffee shops, the music. I love the people - their attitude is the closest to home as I'll get - down to earth.

So when I tell people I'm from out west and they say Alberta? I tell them no, Saskatchewan - they can say "oh, Saskatchewan, Alberta - same thing" ... but I correct them - no , it definitely IS NOT the same thing..