‘Hardly surprising’ many Alberta business leaders staying mum on separation: expert
Alberta business leaders are largely remaining silent regarding the province's upcoming referendum on separation from Canada. Experts suggest this caution is driven by a desire to avoid alienating customers, investors, and stakeholders.
Why it matters
The reluctance of corporate leadership to engage in political discourse reflects the tension between regional political movements and the stability required for business operations.
Some prominent business leaders have taken a public stand on Alberta remaining a part of Canada, but many more remain on the sidelines as a provincial referendum on that question, and others, fast approaches.
Monday’s Alberta referendum vote includes 10 questions: one on whether should Alberta stay in Confederation or move toward a binding separation referendum; five on immigration and four on constitutional matters.
“It’s a mixed bag right now so far,” said Bob Pickard, principal at Leadership Communication Inc., a Calgary-based firm that advises executives and newsmakers on public relations.
“Some leaders have spoken out with conviction. Others have remained quiet.”
Pickard’s firm was one of more than 80 that have signed an open letter from the Calgary Chamber of Commerce warning of the economic fallout if Alberta were to break from Canada.
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