Report warns Alberta split could cost Calgary up to 69,000 jobs
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce released business-backed research and an open letter urging Alberta to stay in Confederation ahead of a provincial referendum on separation.
Why it matters
The report puts a specific economic cost on separation just weeks before Albertans vote on the question.
A report commissioned by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce estimates that Alberta separating from Canada would raise trade costs by five to eight per cent, a range comparable to what the United Kingdom experienced after leaving the European Union. The study, by University of Calgary economist Trevor Tombe, says Alberta is the most trade-exposed jurisdiction in the country, meaning those higher costs would translate into between 44,000 and 69,000 fewer jobs in Calgary than if the province remained in Canada.
The report was released about three weeks before Albertans are set to vote on 10 referendum questions, including one asking whether the province should remain in Canada or begin the process toward another separation referendum.
Alongside the report, the Chamber released an open letter signed by business leaders urging Alberta to "remain at the table" within Confederation. Signatories include the heads of AltaGas, ATCO, AltaLink, Capital Power and Keyera.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.