Alberta's Separation from Canada Could Cost Up to $170 Billion, Report Estimates

The Alberta government has published a report estimating that separation from Canada could cost up to $170-billion over the first five years. The report, commissioned by the Alberta government, was written by a panel of experts at the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy.

The report considers two scenarios: one in which Ottawa co-operates with negotiations and provides a favourable deal, and another in which Canada and Alberta enter hostile, prolonged negotiations that bring the country's economy to a standstill.

In all scenarios, the panel chair Jack Mintz said that separation would undoubtedly harm the rest of Canada. The report also notes that Alberta's path to secession would ultimately depend on Ottawa's reaction and its negotiation strategy.