Canada West Foundation

10/19/2026

“I think there's an opportunity. I think the referendum, it can be a catalyst for discussion, not just in Alberta, but in all of Canada for sort of a middle ground, a path forward.”

Dr. Ted Morton, a former Alberta cabinet minister and professor emeritus at the University of Calgary, argues that Alberta's place within Confederation raises broader questions about how Canada's constitutional framework reflects today's economic and political realities.

“So, I'm opposed to separation, but I'm also opposed to the status quo,” Morton said.

Listen to the full conversation here: https://youtu.be/euIvh92U4Gw?si=tmLADBUUheVL8SP1

Read Morton's chapter in the Alberta in Confederation report (Page 14), which examines Alberta's constitutional position within Confederation and how it has evolved since the era of Peter Lougheed:https://cwf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Alberta-in-Confederation-Report.pdf =14

10/18/2026

“Let's put that energy into getting some of this done, now while we've got the opportunity.”

Jeffrey J. McCaig, chairman of Trimac Transportation Group, discusses what could follow if a referendum on Alberta separation is defeated and how that momentum could be directed toward major infrastructure projects and economic development.

“Where does the energy go if the vote on separation is defeated?” McCaig said. “I'd like to think that some of that energy then goes to getting some of these projects done.”

Listen to the full conversation here: https://youtu.be/euIvh92U4Gw?si=tmLADBUUheVL8SP1

Read McCaig's chapter in the Alberta in Confederation report (Page 110), which examines the practical implications of separation for businesses, transportation networks, investment and supply chains:https://cwf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Alberta-in-Confederation-Report.pdf =110

10/17/2026

The October 19 referendum asks Albertans to consider one of the most consequential political and economic questions in the province's history.

Yet many of the practical questions about separation remain unanswered.

Alberta in Confederation was developed to help address that gap. The report brings together evidence-based analysis from leading experts on the constitutional, economic, fiscal and trade realities that would shape any path toward separation.

The research examines issues including market access, international agreements, Indigenous rights, public finances, labour mobility, pensions, investment and governance. It also explores what separation could mean for Alberta's relationship with the rest of Canada.

Before heading to the ballot box, take the time to examine the evidence and understand the trade-offs.

Read the full Alberta in Confederation report:

Alberta in Confederation examines the economic, trade, constitutional realities and implications of Alberta’s separation from Canada ahead of the October 19 referendum.

10/16/2026

As the October 19 referendum approaches, Albertans are weighing questions that could have significant implications for the province and for Canada.

To help inform that discussion, the Canada West Foundation brought together four leading experts for a conversation moderated by Gary G. Mar, examining the economic, trade and constitutional realities of Alberta separation.

The discussion explores issues ranging from public finances and market access to constitutional questions, investment and international relations.

Watch the webinar and hear directly from the experts:

Ahead of the October 19 Alberta referendum, Canada West Foundation ...

10/15/2026

“It's a really uncertain path forward diplomatically, politically.”

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, discusses the diplomatic questions that would arise for a sovereign Alberta.

“Alberta hasn't really thought through what kind of diplomatic staff they would actually need to be able to do that,” Anderson said, pointing to the United Kingdom's experience following Brexit as an example of the challenges involved in maintaining market access and negotiating international agreements.

Listen to the full conversation here: https://youtu.be/euIvh92U4Gw?si=tmLADBUUheVL8SP1

Read Anderson's chapter in the Alberta in Confederation report (Page 56), which examines the trade, treaty and international-relations questions that would arise for a sovereign Alberta:https://cwf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Alberta-in-Confederation-Report.pdf =56

10/14/2026

“Uncertainty is very bad for investment. It's very bad for employment.”

Dr. Paul Boothe, an economist, former deputy minister and Officer of the Order of Canada, discusses the economic implications that could arise from uncertainty following Alberta's separation referendum.

“And so certainly one of the consequences if what comes out of this referendum is a big wave of uncertainty about what's going to happen next. Then I think that then we start to have the costs, even if, ultimately a referendum doesn't lead to separation,” Boothe said.

Listen to the full conversation here: https://youtu.be/euIvh92U4Gw?si=tmLADBUUheVL8SP1

Read Boothe's chapter in the Alberta in Confederation report (Page 76), which examines the fiscal implications of separation, including debt allocation, pensions, social program portability and monetary policy considerations:https://cwf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Alberta-in-Confederation-Report.pdf =76

10/14/2026

Canada has the minerals. The question is whether it can build the supply chains to compete globally.

Critical minerals are increasingly central to economic security, emerging technologies and global trade.

Western and Northern Canada hold significant reserves, but turning that advantage into long-term economic strength raises important questions around investment, infrastructure, permitting and partnerships.

The latest edition of Building for Tomorrow, written by Ryan Workman, examines what makes a mineral "critical," the growing global competition for supply chains and the opportunities and challenges facing Canada's resource-rich regions.

Read the brief:

10/13/2026

"That will cause costs, additional costs to creep into our transportation element of our economy, and there’s just no getting around that.”

Jeffrey J. McCaig, chairman of Trimac Transportation Group, explains how thickened borders and new regulatory systems in an independent Alberta could affect transportation costs.

“It’s just going to be more costly, and in a time when one of the issues that we hear a lot about lately is affordability and our cost of living. And so, it will not help in that regard, for sure,” McCaig said.

Listen to the full conversation here: https://youtu.be/euIvh92U4Gw?si=tmLADBUUheVL8SP1

Read McCaig’s chapter in the Alberta in Confederation report (Page 110), which examines the practical implications of separation for businesses, transportation networks, investment and supply chains.https://cwf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Alberta-in-Confederation-Report.pdf =110

10/13/2026

“I’m opposed to separation, but I’m also opposed to status quo.”

Dr. Ted Morton, a former Alberta cabinet minister and professor emeritus at the University of Calgary, explains why separation and the status quo are both risky for Alberta.

“The status quo is just as risky as leaving. Everybody else documents why separation would be very complicated, very time consuming and very expensive, and I agree with that,” Morton said.

“But I’m saying the status quo has risk as well.”

Listen to the full conversation: https://youtu.be/euIvh92U4Gw?si=tmLADBUUheVL8SP1

Read Morton’s chapter in the Alberta in Confederation report (Page 14), which examines Alberta’s constitutional position within Confederation and how it has evolved since the era of Peter Lougheed:https://cwf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Alberta-in-Confederation-Report.pdf =14

10/08/2026

“Strong alone. Stronger together. That is the Canada we want and need,” suggests Gary G. Mar in a recent Calgary Herald op-ed.

Ahead of the Oct. 19 Alberta referendum that asks Albertans to vote on whether they want to remain part of Canada, Mar reiterates the position that Alberta, and every other province and territory, can be strong without Canada being weak.

Acknowledging that the status quo isn’t working and change is needed to satisfy Alberta grievances, Mar says provinces going their own way won’t solve the problem. Instead, co-operative federalism offers a united path forward while also honouring the unique histories, traditions, identities, ambitions and concerns each province and territory brings to the table.

As Mar notes: “Alberta needs Canada, but Canada needs Alberta every bit as much.”

Read the full op-ed:

Mar: