Report to show Albertans financial impact of separation

Jun 12, 2026 | 3:16 PM

A report by the University of Calgary will inform voters on the financial cost of Alberta leaving Canada.

The Government of Alberta announced Friday it has hired the institution’s School of Public Policy to conduct an analysis that will provide a better understanding of estimated transition costs, economic effects, potential benefits, and other implications of secession.

This comes ahead of the Oct. 19 referendum that will ask Albertans if they wish to remain in Canada, or if they want the province to begin the legal process of moving towards separation and a binding referendum.

“Albertans deserve clear and credible information on the potential impacts of separation,” Jason Nixon, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance, said.

“This is a huge decision that will impact our kids and grandkids long into the future, and we cannot approach it lightly.”

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The government has also appointed an expert advisory panel, which will provide input and act as a consultative body for both the School of Public Policy and the government.

Economist Dr. Jack Mintz will lead the panel, joined by Ted Morton, political scientist and former Alberta finance minister; Adam Legge, president of the Business Council of Alberta; Alex Pourbaix, board chair of Cenovus Energy Inc. and Janice MacKinnon, former Saskatchewan finance minister.

“Albertans need to know and understand the potential impacts of separating from Canada. This work is highly complex, carried out by researchers at the School of Public Policy,” Mintz said in a release.

“The advisory council will provide feedback to ensure that the in-depth assessment of economic considerations associated with separation enables Albertans to make an informed decision.”

Once complete, the panel will review the report’s findings and deliver an independent written assessment, it’s noted.

This approach, the government says, will allow for potentially differing views to be shared, “ensuring Albertans are equipped with all the facts.”

The final report is anticipated to be released late this summer.

by Josh Hall

Report to show Albertans financial impact of separation

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