Bernier talks equalization and pipelines at Calgary 'Equality or Independence' rally

Albertans who say they're unhappy with the status quo when it comes to the relationship between this province and Ottawa had an outlet this weekend.

The Equality or Independence Rally, hosted by Freedom Conservative Party (FCP) leader Derek Fildebrandt,invited one of the federal scene's newest party leadersto Calgary on Saturday for the event.

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Guest of honour, Maxime Bernier, leader of the People's Party of Canada (PPC) and former federal Conservative leadership hopeful, took the opportunity to speak with rally-goersabout equalization payments.

"A province should not [be] receivingequalization payments for decades,"he said. "Just like an individual should not be receiving welfare cheques for all his or her life."

Dwayne Hill was one of more than 100 people at the rally.

"If you believe an equalization system can't be changed to be equitable for Alberta, then independence is the next step," he said.

Speaking to reporters, Fildebrandt said Bernierreflectswhatthe FCP stands for andis an important ally to Albertans.

"Max is the only federal leader talking about equalization and a fair place for Alberta an equal place for Alberta inside of Canada,in any substantive way beyond just platitudes," he said.

"So there's a huge overlap, there's a large overlap of the membership and some of the activists that are involved in the party."

Equalization wasn't the only talking point at Fildebrandt's rally. Pipelines were also on the agenda.

"The federal government should run what needs to be at a national level. And national infrastructure goes across borders," he said.

That message was echoed by Bernier.

"What's the point of being one country if we don't use the power that we have in the Constitution?" he said to applause and cheers.

In December the FCP launched its 'Equality of Independence' campaign, advocating that within one year of the next provincial election, "Alberta and the federal government must reach an agreement recognizing equality for Alberta within confederation."

The FCP said ifthat goal is notachieved, a referendum on independence should be held in its place.

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