There were some recurring themes throughout the Fair Deal Panel stop in Airdrie, Jan. 27.

An estimated 425 people, including those from the Cochrane area, packed the Town and Country Centre as the province's panel made its final town hall stop.

The panel asked three main questions: Do you think Alberta is getting a fair deal in the federation? If not, what would a fair deal for Alberta look like to you? And what should the provincial government do to secure a fair deal for Alberta? When the questions were read out loud to begin the evening, several attendees could be heard yelling "Wexit."

Over the next 1 1/2 hours, 38 people took the mic to voice their opinions. Separating from Canada was a common theme, as was equalization. The latter is not included in the nine specific areas being explored by the panel, though many said it should be looked at. Those ideas include establishing a provincial revenue agency, withdrawing from the Canada Pension Plan, and creating a provincial police force, all of which garnered quite a bit of support from those who chose to speak.

Marni Marr is an accountant in Airdrie and received one of the largest rounds of applause of the evening when she spoke about the issues she encounters daily with representatives of the Canada Revenue Agency and Canada Pension Plan on behalf of her clients.

"All of our programs are bad and we need to do it ourselves," Marr stated, speaking in favour of many of the ideas set out by the panel.

Airdrie's Rob Anderson called for an end to the status quo.

"The Alberta Government must secure an equitable new deal for Alberta within confederation and simultaneously prepare the province to form a new nation in the event Ottawa refuses to agree to that new deal," he said, while also calling for the end of equalization payments.

He added he would also like to see federal laws that regulate provincial resources and no new pipeline legislation repealed and made unconstitutional.

Service Officer Allan Hunter said the country doesn't look after veterans or seniors very well.

"We need to say to them 'what's the value for us staying?' Not going to them and convincing them that this is our country. Because it's the farmers, the ranchers, and the electricians, and everybody else that built it. Not the politicians. And we need to remember that because this is our country," 

Another Airdrie man called for a referendum on equalization.

"Alberta has never gotten a fair deal with Ottawa in the 87 years I've been on this planet. People in Alberta are very upset with transfer payments and the lack of understanding of the federal government, and mostly Trudeau. Nothing will happen if we don't make it happen, so let's make it happen now," he said.

Lloyd, a veteran from Cochrane, boldly stated that he no longer considers Canada his country.

"I was once very proud to wear the uniform of Canada's army, but patriotism is dying in Canada today led by our unpatriotic Prime Minister. I declare to you that Canada is no longer my country. From this moment on I will support any move that Alberta makes to become an independent republic to which I will pledge my allegiance," he said. 

Of more than three dozen people who spoke, only a handful vocalized their desire for Alberta to remain in Canada.

One of them was a woman who identified herself as 'Iwana Stay'.

"I think things will get better," she said. "I also want to say with the fair deal, the last two times the deal was negotiated, wasn't it with Jason Kenney when he was finance minister with Harper? Separating is silly and I think it's hurting us even talking about it. It's driving investment away. People don't want to come here and set up shop with an unstable province talking about leaving."

One lady who didn't identify herself by name shared a message of compassion.

"I have spent almost all my life here. I am an Albertan and proud Canadian. I appreciate what Canada stands for, our beautiful mosaic country. Home of the free and the brave. I recognize that right now, Alberta is struggling with jobs, etc. and we are looking for someone to blame. Unfortunately, we are blaming the governments. I believe that Alberta has been in a downward spiral for decades, so what I ask of all Albertans is that we be kinder and more compassionate, and have empathy for each other," she said.

Those wanting their say, but weren't able to attend one of the town hall meetings, can complete an online survey here or email info@fairdeal.ca.

The report is scheduled to be presented to the government by Mar. 31.

The panel made 10 stops across the province.