Alberta grievances are real, but separation isn't the answer: Canada West Foundation report

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNewsLocal NewsPolitics Alberta grievances are real, but separation isn't the answer: Canada West Foundation report Its goal, Gary Mar said, is not to tell Albertans how to vote, but to give them a clearer picture of what separation could mean in practice before they head to the polls Author of the article: By Noah Brennan Published Sep 03, 2026 Last updated 7 minutes ago 5 minute read Join the conversation Canada West Foundation president and CEO Gary Mar has gathered a group of experts from various disciplines to help draft a report about what Alberta separation would actually mean. Gavin Young/Postmedia Article content While many of the concerns fuelling Alberta’s separatist movement are legitimate and deserve to be addressed, leaving Canada isn’t the answer and could create a host of new economic and constitutional challenges, according to a new report from the Canada West Foundation. Article content The report, titled Alberta in Confederation, provides a wide-ranging examination of the economic, trade and constitutional realities of separation ahead of Alberta’s Oct. 19 referendum. Article content Article content Article content It acknowledges frustrations over issues such as fiscal fairness, market access and federal energy and climate policies, but suggests separation would not necessarily resolve those concerns — and could instead create new uncertainty with consequences for Albertans’ pocketbooks. Article content Noon News Roundup Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content “While the concerns and grievances are real, separation is not the correct answer,” said Gary Mar, president and CEO of the Canada West Foundation. Article content The non-partisan policy project draws on research from economists, constitutional scholars, business leaders, former public servants and policy experts from across Canada. Article content Its goal, Mar said, is not to tell Albertans how to vote, but to give them a clearer picture of what separation could mean in practice before they head to the polls. Article content “(The goal is) to produce an evidence-based set of information and data that Albertans could read to inform themselves…