Alberta Study Warns of Devastating Economic Consequences from Canada Split

A study commissioned by the Alberta government has found that separation from Canada would cause significant economic damage to the province. According to the report, which was released just over a month before citizens vote on whether to hold a referendum on independence, separating from Canada would dent gross domestic product by at least 2.2% in the first five years in a good scenario, or more than 10% in a poor one.

The study's findings are based on two different scenarios: a 'good' scenario where Alberta is able to negotiate a favorable trade deal with Canada and other countries, and a 'poor' scenario where it does not. In the good scenario, the province's GDP would decrease by 2.2% in the first five years after separation, while in the poor scenario, the decline would be more than 10%. The study also notes that any secession process would take several years to complete.

The report's findings are based on a detailed analysis of Alberta's economy and its potential impact on GDP. It is not clear whether the study was commissioned by proponents or opponents of separation, but it suggests that separating from Canada could have significant economic costs for the province.