Separation would bring costly supply chain 'friction' to businesses, warns Trimac chairman

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNewsLocal NewsPolitics Separation would bring costly supply chain 'friction' to businesses, warns Trimac chairman 'The largest costs would arrive as added transaction costs, some duplication in regulatory systems, some higher inventory requirements, potentially delayed capital investment, (and) reduced certainty for customers, suppliers, lenders, employees' Author of the article: By Noah Brennan Published Sep 03, 2026 Last updated 9 hours ago 3 minute read Join the conversation The opening lane into Alberta was photographed on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022. Darren Makowichuk/Postmedia Article content Alberta’s separation from Canada would force businesses to navigate a costly redesign of supply chains, creating new layers of red tape and uncertainty for industries such as trucking and aviation, according to one transportation industry leader. Article content Jeff McCaig, chair of Calgary-based Trimac Transportation Group, said businesses that depend on provincial or federal licences and regulatory approvals would likely feel the effects of separation sooner and more acutely than sectors governed by private commercial arrangements. Article content Article content Article content Rather than bringing trade and transportation to a halt, McCaig said the more likely consequence would be an accumulation of what he describes as “practical friction,” marked by added transaction costs, duplicated regulatory systems and greater uncertainty for businesses. 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 “From a corporate operating perspective, Alberta separation would function as a supply chain redesign exercise rather than a discrete shock,” McCaig said in an interview. Article content “The largest costs would arrive as added transaction costs, some duplication in regulatory systems, some higher inventory requirements, potentially delayed capital investment, (and) reduced certainty for customers, suppliers, lenders, employees.” Article content McCaig’s analysis is included in a new Canada West Foundation report released Thursday that examines the economic, trade and constitutional implications of Alberta…