You won't believe what some folks are betting on
Morning from Central Alberta — five communities, one correspondent, and all the stories the big papers forgot.
Well now, I heard something over the fence this morning that really got my ears up. Turns out, there are folks out there using offshore gambling sites to bet on whether Alberta is going to separate from Canada. No, I'm not pulling your leg. Experts are saying this kinda wagering on public policy could actually influence the results, which, if you ask me, is about as clear as mud on a fresh pair of boots.
### What This Means for Red Deer
I'll tell you what, this whole "Stay Free Alberta" group claims they've already got enough signatures for a referendum. Premier Smith says she'll move forward if they do. Now, I drive the QE2 just about every day, and I see the oil derricks and wind turbines sharing the same horizon line. Most folks in Red Deer, whether they're working the rigs out by Blackfalds or running a shop downtown on Gaetz Avenue, just want to know they can put food on the table and keep the lights on.
* This isn't just some fringe idea floating around anymore. * The fact that people are literally putting money on it means it's got legs like a yearling. * It brings up questions about who’s trying to steer the herd.
It’s one thing to talk about big ideas around the campfire, but to have folks betting on the future of our province like it's a chuckwagon race at the Calgary Stampede? That changes the whole feel of it. It’s got a lot of people in Red Deer wondering what kind of game is really being played here.
Wyatt Brandt, MiTL Sports Desk, Red Deer.
Old Man Mac and the crew chew on stuff like this every morning — you can catch their take live at mornings.live.