New Analysis Examines the Realities of Alberta Separation
September 2026
Alberta in Confederation is an insightful non-partisan research initiative examining the economic, trade and constitutional realities, and the implications of Alberta separation from Canada ahead of the October 19 provincial referendum.
The report draws on the work of economists, constitutional scholars, business leaders, former public servants and policy experts from across the country, providing Albertans with evidence-based analysis of some of the most consequential questions raised by the referendum.
The Foundation’s project responds to a simple fact: interest in the separation question has grown, but understanding of what separation would actually involve has not kept pace.
Alberta in Confederation examines:
- Historical and contemporary drivers of separation sentiment in Alberta
- Constitutional and legal realities
- Indigenous rights
- Labour mobility and market access
- Fiscal issues, including debt allocation, public finances and pensions
- Capital markets, investment and business competitiveness
- Implications for Canada and the federation as a whole
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Special Policy Report
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Contributors
- Dr. Ted Morton, former Alberta cabinet minister and professor emeritus at the University of Calgary, examines Alberta’s constitutional position within Confederation and how it has evolved since the era of Peter Lougheed.
- Dr. Dwight Newman, Canada Research Chair in Rights, Communities and Constitutional Law at the University of Saskatchewan, analyzes the constitutional processes and legal realities surrounding separation.
- Dr. Audrey Doerr, a political scientist and former public servant specializing in Indigenous policy and Canadian federalism, examines Indigenous rights, treaty relationships and their implications for Alberta’s constitutional future.
- Dr. Greg Anderson, professor of political science at the University of Alberta and former policy analyst with the Office of the United States Trade Representative, explores the trade, treaty and international-relations questions that would arise for a sovereign Alberta.
- Dr. Paul Boothe, economist, former deputy minister and Officer of the Order of Canada, evaluates the fiscal implications of separation, including debt allocation, pensions, social program portability and monetary policy considerations.
- Lennie Kaplan, former senior manager with Alberta Treasury Board and Finance, analyzes the potential economic and fiscal impacts of Alberta separation on public finances, government operations and economic growth. View supporting documents.
- Dr. Herb Emery, economist and Vaughan Chair in Regional Economics at the University of New Brunswick, examines labour mobility, migration and Alberta’s workforce dependence on workers from elsewhere in Canada and abroad.
- Jeffrey J. McCaig, chairman of Trimac Transportation Group, examines the practical implications of separation for businesses, transportation networks, investment and supply chains.
- Adam Legge, president of the Business Council of Alberta, provides a business and investor perspective on certainty, competitiveness and Alberta’s long-term economic future.
Experts discuss the realities of Alberta’s separation referendum
With the October 19 referendum approaching, Albertans are weighing questions that will shape the province’s future and Canada’s.
Canada West Foundation recently brought together four leading experts, moderated by President and CEO Gary G. Mar, to hear what separation could mean for Albertans.
The full discussion is now available to watch.
Media availability
Gary Mar and select contributors are available for interviews.
Media Contact
Melanie Ducharme
Director, Strategic Communications
Canada West Foundation
ducharme@cwf.ca