Businesses and economists warn the proposed Alberta separation referendum question is creating costly uncertainty for the province.
Anthony Nelson, co-founder of the startup 2S Water, says investors immediately questioned his exit strategy from Alberta after Premier Danielle Smith unveiled the referendum question. Nelson is now considering moving his company to British Columbia or Ontario to maintain investor confidence.
The October 19th ballot includes a question on whether Alberta should hold a binding referendum on separation, alongside nine other questions on immigration and constitutional issues.
University of Alberta economist Chetan Dave warns that political uncertainty dampens business confidence, especially for larger firms. Calgary Chamber of Commerce CEO Deborah Yedlin notes that such ambiguity keeps investment dollars on the sidelines and delays projects. The debate comes just as a new energy accord with the federal government was beginning to unlock resource development, including a potential pipeline to Asia.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce head Candace Laing says prolonged uncertainty around separation brings real risks for investor confidence and Canada's global competitiveness at a critical time.