Alberta CEOs back Chamber warning on economic risks of secession

A coalition of Alberta business leaders endorsed a Calgary Chamber of Commerce letter warning that leaving Canada would trigger substantial economic disruption. Signatories include heads of AltaGas, ATCO, AltaLink, Capital Power, Keyera, BHE Transmission and Chirp Foods, as well as Tourism Calgary and Calgary Economic Development. The Chamber cited a University of Calgary study estimating higher trade costs, potential loss of up to 175,000 jobs and a sizable fiscal shortfall requiring major tax hikes or cuts to federal transfers.

Deborah Yedlin, the Chamber's CEO, argued that the province would forfeit its low-tax advantage and essential public services, undermining investment and growth. She noted that global energy demand remains high amid geopolitical tensions, but urged optimism and a focus on staying within Canada. The letter arrives ahead of a provincial referendum that includes a question on future separation.