Alberta’s business community is warning that ongoing discussions about provincial separation are creating uncertainty and making it harder to attract investment.
The Alberta Chambers of Commerce says a recent survey of its members and investors found that more than half believe the separation debate is negatively affecting the province’s economy and making long-term business planning difficult.
“Alberta separation is the top business issue right now,” said Shauna Feth, chief executive of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce. She noted that the main concern among businesses is not ideological disagreement but the uncertainty created by the political discussion.
The issue has resurfaced as Premier Danielle Smith’s government faces growing attention over the possibility of a separation referendum. While Smith has repeatedly said she supports Alberta remaining within Canada, her government has introduced rule changes that make it easier for citizens to bring forward referendum questions. A separatist group is currently attempting to gather enough signatures to trigger a vote.
Smith has previously described her position as supporting “a sovereign Alberta within a united Canada,” a phrase the Opposition NDP has criticized as contradictory.
Business leaders say the ongoing debate is already affecting investment decisions. Deborah Yedlin, president of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, said companies are increasingly adopting a wait-and-see approach before expanding operations in the province.
Some businesses, she said, have indicated they may reconsider future investments or even relocate depending on how the political situation develops. International companies with operations outside Canada have also reportedly contacted the chamber seeking clarity about the seriousness of the separatist movement.
Doug Griffiths, head of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, urged the provincial government to shift the focus back to economic growth instead of political debates about separation.
“If I had a choice, it would be for the Alberta government to say, ‘Enough. We’re focusing on business growth and economic growth, not talking about leaving this country,’” Griffiths said.
He also pointed out that Indigenous communities have raised strong objections to any separation effort. Several First Nations have launched court challenges against provincial legislation allowing citizen-led petitions that could lead to a referendum on independence.
Alberta’s Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Minister Joseph Schow said the government recognizes the concerns raised by the chambers but remains focused on keeping taxes and regulations low while promoting investment opportunities.
Schow argued that some of the uncertainty facing Alberta’s economy stems from policies introduced under former prime minister Justin Trudeau, which provincial leaders have long criticized as harmful to the oil and gas sector.
Some of those federal policies are now under review by the government of Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Schow said he hopes cooperation between Alberta and Ottawa will help restore investor confidence.
Griffiths acknowledged that Alberta’s economy is performing well at present but stressed that investors are more concerned about future stability than past policies.
“People are not investing over what happened in the last 10 years,” he said. “Investor uncertainty is about where you’re going, not where you’ve been.”
