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EDMONTON — Alberta’s government has appointed an independent advisory panel and commissioned a report examining the potential economic impacts of Alberta separating from Canada ahead of a proposed referendum vote this fall.
The province announced Friday that the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy will conduct an independent analysis examining the estimated costs, risks, economic impacts and potential savings associated with Alberta secession.
The report is expected to be released in late summer, ahead of a referendum vote scheduled for Oct. 19.
Finance Minister Jason Nixon said Albertans should have access to objective information before making a decision on a constitutional change of that magnitude.
“Albertans deserve clear and credible information on the potential impacts of separation,” Nixon said in a statement.
The government said the study will examine transition costs, economic effects, potential benefits and risks that could arise if Alberta pursued independence from Canada.
The University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy said it will maintain full control over the final report.
“The University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy is pleased to conduct this analysis to provide a better understanding of the estimated transition costs, economic effects, potential benefits and other economic implications of secession that would impact Albertans,” said Martha Hall Findlay, the school’s director.
The province has also established an advisory panel to provide input throughout the process and review the final report once it is completed.
The panel will be chaired by economist Jack Mintz and includes former Alberta finance minister Ted Morton, Business Council of Alberta president Adam Legge, Cenovus Energy board chair Alex Pourbaix and former Saskatchewan finance minister Janice MacKinnon.
The government said the panel’s role will be consultative and the university will retain independent control over the report’s conclusions.
After the report is completed, panel members will provide a separate written assessment of the findings.
The announcement comes after the Alberta government introduced legislation earlier this year changing the rules governing citizen-initiated referendums, making it easier for Albertans to place questions on a provincial ballot.
Premier Danielle Smith has repeatedly said her government does not support Alberta separating from Canada but has argued Albertans have the right to vote on the issue if organizers gather enough support under provincial referendum legislation.
The province said the economic analysis is intended to provide voters with information before any referendum question appears on a ballot.
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