With less than 45 days remaining until the Alberta referendum, there has been limited public commentary from individual business leaders regarding the potential separation from Canada. However, the president of the Business Council of Alberta, Adam Legge, pointed out that this does not indicate a lack of interest from the business community.
Legge mentioned that there is some hesitation among business leaders to voice their opinions on the matter. He acknowledged that many Alberta companies likely have employees and customers who support separation, but emphasized that the majority of the organization’s members have expressed a clear preference for Alberta to remain part of Canada.
The Business Council of Alberta, which boasts a membership of over 130 executives and presidents from various sectors in Alberta, launched a new website this week. The website features videos and graphics aimed at advocating for Alberta to stay within Canada.
While acknowledging frustrations within the resource sector over federal policies, Legge noted that recent developments, such as Alberta’s proposed oil pipeline to the West Coast, have influenced changing sentiments. He highlighted that factors impacting the outcome of a separation, such as trade agreements and market access, are largely beyond Alberta’s control.
Despite not registering as a third-party advertiser for the referendum, the Business Council of Alberta plans to continue producing content for its website and social media platforms. Other major business organizations, like the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and the Canada West Foundation, have also expressed concerns regarding the potential economic impact of separation.
On the pro-independence side, the Alberta Transition Council, led by Keith Wilson, released a comprehensive 214-page report outlining a transition plan for Alberta’s potential independence. Wilson argued that Alberta’s immobile economy gives the province a strong negotiating position in the event of a “yes” vote.
Additional analyses on the implications of Alberta’s separation, including a forthcoming study from the University of Calgary, are expected to be released in the near future.