Trevor Tombe: How the risk of separation could cost Alberta thousands of jobs
“Even the prospect of separation would raise questions about future trade relationships. Businesses operating between Alberta and the rest of Canada would face new risks. And if there were a successful vote, the nature of any post-referendum negotiated outcome would be unclear. Until those uncertainties were resolved, there would be real economic costs.”
Trevor Tombe: A separate Alberta would be a poorer Alberta
“It is true that the federal government raises more in revenues from Alberta-based taxpayers than it spends in the province on programs. In 2023, the gap was roughly $14.5 billion. But an independent Alberta’s finances would be anything but secure.”
The Deep Dive: Alberta Separatism Estimated Price Tag: $300B Plus $67B Annually
Former Alberta finance senior manager Lennie Kaplan calculates the price of independence at $299.4 billion in transition and start-up costs, plus $67.3 billion in annual expenses.
Who We Are
Before You Vote was created by a small group of concerned citizens troubled by the lack of credible, fact-based information about the issues facing our province and country. We’ve all worked in or near government, public service, media and laws throughout our careers.