Alberta does not send money to poorer regions. Federal tax is collected in Alberta like it is in any other province. From these general revenue FEDERAL funds government allocates money so all Canadians can get the same level of service. 

You pay tax like any other Canadian. If you make more money you pay more tax. As simple as that. 

The only way out of the scheme is separation. But that's a really dumb reason to go at it alone. Is like a husband divorcing his wife because she makes less money.

You feel like Alberta's interests are not addressed? By all means make noise about it. Don't chase a non-issue like the eq. payments.

Catalonia wants to separate because they are different people. They speak different language, have different culture. I would not want them out of Spain, but it's their choice.

What language do you speak in Alberta?