Alberta Transition Council Releases Independence Plan with Estimated Cost
A transition plan for Alberta to become its own country has been released by the Alberta Transition Council. The 214-page document outlines phases, processes, and implementation for independence.
Laywer Keith Wilson, who spearheaded the report and heads up Let Alberta Decide, said it 'deals very seriously with the issues' including banking, currency, defense, policing, courts, constitutional processes, international trade, commerce, agriculture, oil and gas, pensions, social benefits, First Nations, and immigration.
The document mirrors Canadian immigration temporarily, including visa and permit categories. The Alberta Sheriffs Police Service would enforce immigration decisions, with the group hopeful that CBSA and IRCC workers could be retained or recruited to help with the transition.
Gary Mar from the Canada West Foundation estimates that secession would cost at least $200 billion, citing a per capita debt increase from about $27,000 to around $80-$90,000 per person. Wilson said they will release a fully costed report in September.