Alberta separatism: university to cost out exit scenario
U of Calgary tasked with analyzing financial impact ahead of October referendum. Expert panel to review study.
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The Alberta government has chosen the University of Calgary to study potential costs of the province leaving Canada, with an expert advisory panel set to review the findings ahead of a binding referendum.
The October 19 vote will ask Albertans whether they want to remain in Canada or begin the process toward a second, binding separation vote. The government says the university's report will examine estimated transition costs, economic impacts, risks, and possible savings.
Premier Danielle Smith estimated earlier this month that separation could cost the province $400 billion with an annual price tag of up to $50 billion. The report is expected to be made public before the referendum.
The advisory panel includes two former politicians, an economist, and business leaders, the government said, to allow for differing perspectives on the analysis. This approach follows political precedent in Canada — previous provincial and regional separatism movements have commissioned independent cost studies to inform public debate.
The study marks a significant step in formalizing separation discussion beyond rhetoric. Voters will have concrete financial estimates when they cast ballots in fall.