Calgary's top business and political leaders are sounding the alarm about Alberta's planned fall referendum on separatism, warning that the uncertainty could devastate the province's economic engine.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas said Friday that Calgary will be hit "first and hardest" by the divisive debate Premier Danielle Smith announced this week—one that could see Albertans vote on whether the province should pursue separation from Canada.
"Having this unanswered question, these storm clouds on the horizon for our future, it's completely unacceptable," Farkas told reporters. "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."
The mayor expressed concern that debating separatism will create economic headwinds precisely when Calgary should be positioning itself as a global investment destination. Job losses and declining employment could follow if major corporations and investors flee amid uncertainty about Alberta's future.
"A huge sideshow, a distraction"
Farkas characterized the separatism debate as a distraction from pressing issues Calgarians actually care about—affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and economic diversification.
"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," he said.
The mayor signalled he will participate in the public debate to help voters understand the real risks separation could pose to Alberta's economic future.
Business community warns of delayed investment
Deborah Yedlin, president and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, echoed those concerns, arguing that separatism debate will sideline businesses and delay critical investment in the province.
Yedlin pointed to recent positive developments—including a federal-Alberta government agreement that could unlock new oil pipeline projects and economic growth—as proof that stability matters for prosperity.
"We don't need to introduce an element of uncertainty," she said. "It's a variable we can control, and we've chosen to do this regardless. I think that's what's troubling."
The chamber leader also warned that the prospect of separatism introduces uncertainty about future regulatory frameworks and could deter skilled workers from relocating to Alberta—a critical concern as the province competes for talent in a tight labour market.
Smith has said that approximately 700,000 Albertans requested a referendum on separation, and the new ballot question will give voters a say on the province's future relationship with Canada.
This article is based on reporting from CBC Edmonton.