Calgary's top political and business leaders are sounding the alarm over Alberta's upcoming separatism referendum, warning that the debate threatens to undermine the city's economic momentum and global competitiveness.
After Premier Danielle Smith announced Thursday that Alberta voters will face a new question this fall about whether the province should pursue separating from Canada, Mayor Jeromy Farkas expressed serious concern about the economic fallout.
"Having this unanswered question, these storm clouds on the horizon for our future, it's completely unacceptable," Farkas said Friday. "We are the beating heart of enterprise in Alberta and one of the fastest growing cities in North America. But all of that is being threatened by instability."
Investment and jobs at risk
The mayor warned that the prolonged debate over separatism—potentially spanning multiple referendum votes—sends a troubling message to investors and businesses considering Calgary as a destination for expansion and growth.
"Going through not just one vote but potentially multiple votes on separation, it telegraphs to the rest of the world, the rest of the country, that we're not serious," Farkas said. "This is a huge sideshow, a distraction."
The uncertainty also risks deepening divisions within Calgary's diverse communities, the mayor warned, suggesting the provincial government should redirect its focus toward pressing local issues.
"We could be talking about affordable housing. We could be talking about infrastructure. Instead, we're talking about something that divides us," Farkas said.
Despite his opposition, Farkas committed to participating in the separatism debate to help voters understand the economic risks the province would face by leaving Canada.
Business community voices concerns
Calgary Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Deborah Yedlin echoed the mayor's concerns, arguing that the separatism debate creates unnecessary economic friction at a critical time for Alberta.
Recent co-operation between Alberta and the federal government has positioned the province for significant economic growth, including potential new oil pipeline infrastructure and expanded energy exports. Introducing separatism uncertainty into this landscape, Yedlin said, undermines those gains.
"We don't need to introduce an element of uncertainty," Yedlin stated. "It's a variable we can control, and we've chosen to do this regardless. I think that's what's troubling."
The business leader raised additional concerns about how the debate could deter skilled workers from relocating to Alberta and create confusion about the regulatory environment companies would operate under.
The referendum marks a significant moment for Calgary and Alberta, as the province grapples with fundamental questions about its political future while maintaining its position as an engine of Canadian economic growth.
This article is based on reporting from CBC Calgary.