A Newfoundlander who has worked in oil and gas in Alberta since 1996 cannot understand why people in this province vote for any party which preaches carbon taxes.

Robert O’Leary of Blackhead, Conception Bay North, says the west is feeling alienated.

He cannot understand why Quebec gets $12-billion in equalization while Alberta does not get a dime. Yet, Quebec refuses to allow the pipeline from the west to the Maritimes through its soil.

Some have been shocked by the vitriol being leveled against voters in Newfoundland and Labrador where 6 of its seven ridings remained Liberal.

Discourse on social media has been especially vicious.

O’Leary says there is a lot of talk of separation in the west, particularly when it comes to the carbon tax and equalization payments.