Alberta separation too costly with too many uncertainties, warns Calgary think-tank
A Calgary-based think-tank report warns that Alberta's potential separation from Canada would cost over $200 billion in setup fees. The study suggests that secession could lead to economic shrinkage, job losses, and increased interest rates for the province.
Why it matters
This report provides critical economic data ahead of a high-stakes referendum on Alberta's future within the Canadian confederation.
And the Calgary-based public policy think-tank puts a $200 billion price tag on setup costs for an independent Alberta, with a warning at the same time that the province’s economy could shrink.
The report, Alberta in Confederation , breaks down a number of potential separation-related issues, including constitutional negotiations, Indigenous rights, market access and labour supply.
Among the contributors to the report are Ted Morton, former Progressive Conservative MLA and one of the authors of the 2001 firewall letter , and Business Council of Alberta President Adam Legge.
Thursday’s report, which was greeted with criticism from a prominent separatist leader, comes less than two months ahead of the Oct. 19 referendum, where Albertans will vote on whether to remain in Canada, or hold a second, binding referendum on secession.
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