If the province of Alberta was to become a separate country from Canada, it would be the only landlocked nation in North America.

The worst idea, Alberta becoming its own country.

The second worst idea. Alberta joining USA.

The second idea might make more sense as it would be hard not to be swallowed up by USA. It would be a landlocked country, if not joining USA.

Oil pipelines are a motivation. Being landlocked wouldn't likely help in getting more pipelines out of Alberta. They would still have to cross other countries. Maybe Alberta would push for the restart of Keystone Pipeline construction across USA? Not a great idea either. I still think climate change is a problem.

Pipelines coming west to Vancouver area would still have to go through Canada. Transmountain Pipeline's corridor is already here and capacity has recently been expanded. Further expansion, or new corridors west, seem unlikely to me.

By the way, we have a branch of Transmountain Pipeline here in Washington State, USA. It's sending some oil to our refineries in Whatcom County north of Bellingham, the city where I live.

Another country that is sandwiched between two larger nations is Mongolia. Would Alberta be the Mongolia of North America?

Best idea, Canada staying together. Separatism often brings conflicts around the world. Maybe I'd consider our 3 west coast states of Washington, Oregon and California breaking off from USA and joining Canada, however.

I just listened to an interesting discussion about Alberta separatism on CBC Radio's, "Just Asking" talkshow today.