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The University of Ģ����ý’s (SPP) has been selected by the Alberta government to conduct an independent, evidence-based analysis of the potential economic impacts of leaving Canada to provide Albertans the ability to make an informed decision in the referendum scheduled for Oct. 19. 

“Albertans deserve clear and credible information on the potential impacts of separation. This is a huge decision that will impact our kids and grandkids long into the future, and we cannot approach it lightly,” says Jason Nixon, president of the Treasury Board and Minister of Finance.

The report will provide Albertans with a better understanding of the estimated transition costs, economic effects, potential benefits and other associated economic implications that would impact all Albertans if the province pursued this constitutional change.

“The University of Ģ����ý’s School of Public Policy is pleased to conduct this analysis to provide a better understanding of the estimated transition costs, economic effects, potential benefits and other economic implications of secession that would impact Albertans,” says SPP Director , James S. and Barbara A. Palmer Chair of Public Policy.  “We appreciate the complete independence and control over our work and final report.”

The Alberta government has also appointed an expert advisory panel that will provide input and act as a consultative body for both the SPP and government throughout the process. While the panel will offer input, the SPP will retain full and independent control over the final report.

Economist , PhD, will lead the panel. He will be joined by Dr. Ted Morton, PhD, political scientist and former Alberta finance minister; Adam Legge, MEDes’99, president of the Business Council of Alberta; Alex Pourbaix, executive chairman of Cenovus Energy; and Dr. Janice MacKinnon, PhD, former Saskatchewan finance minister.

“Albertans need to know and understand the potential impacts of separating from Canada,” says Mintz, President’s Fellow with the SPP. “This work is highly complex, carried out by researchers at the School of Public Policy. The advisory council will provide feedback to ensure that the in-depth assessment of economic considerations associated with separation enables Albertans to make an informed decision.” 

UĢ����ý has a policy of political neutrality and will be taking no position on referendum questions or other political topics. The SPP is mobilizing academic expertise to pursue evidence-based analysis. This report will focus on factual information and will not include recommendations.

After the SPP completes the report, the advisory panel will review the findings and deliver a written, independent assessment. The province says this approach allows for further and potentially differing views to be shared, ensuring Albertans are equipped with the facts.

The final report is expected to be publicly released in late summer.