So it’s Alberta against Ontario in the Brier Final tomorrow night in Halifax. Kind of like a microcosm of Confederation, when you think about it. At least as far as the last couple of decades or so go.
Ontario, long-dominant, but going through a big transition that has resulted in a significant diminishment in its wealth and power versus … an economic power on the rise in Canada, struggling mightily to throw off the yoke of central Canadian oppression and take its rightful place as a leader in Confederation.
Must say, I don’t really feel much like cheering for either team. Ontario does need to be taken down a peg or two. On the other hand, with Stephen Harper and his adherents in power in Ottawa, Alberta already has too much influence in Canada as far as I’m concerned.
Looking at the teams on a personal level, Alberta skip Kevin Koe (pictured) has never won a Brier title, while Russ Howard has several to his credit, so it’d be nice to see Koe win.
But then that would mean Alberta would boast both the reigning men’s Olympic gold medal and Brier champion … and if there’s one thing Alberta doesn’t need any more encouragement to do, it’s boast.