Cost of Alberta separation could be up to $170B: report

An independent report into the possible separation of Alberta presents multiple outcomes, but ultimately determines the cost to leave Canada could cost up to $170 billion.

The report by the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy was commissioned by the Alberta government and released Wednesday.

It found Albertans would face high costs in the short term with uncertain benefits in the long run, and whether talks with Canada are “smooth” or “difficult” would impact that future.

“If you’re kind of a very optimistic person — you think everyone will go well — there’s a scenario where that happens,” said Tim Sargent with the University of Calgary School of Public Policy.

“But there’s also a very big risk that thing could not go well and Alberta could pay a very big price.”

Two hypothetical scenarios are given to provide Albertans a look into the costs that come with separation.