The Alberta government has selected the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy to conduct and publish an analysis of potential economic impacts the province would face in the event it leaves Canada.
Report and Advisory Panel
In a Friday news release, the provincial government stated it is important for Albertans to have “objective, evidence-based analysis” ahead of the Oct. 19 referendum. The referendum will ask whether the province should stay in Canada or if a second, binding referendum should be held on secession.
The government said the report is expected to be released in late summer and will focus on transition costs, economic impacts, as well as potential savings and risks of separation.
“Albertans deserve clear and credible information on the potential impacts of separation,” said Finance Minister Jason Nixon.
Advisory Panel Members
The province has also appointed a separate advisory panel that will provide input to both the university and the government throughout the process. Members include:
- Economist Jack Mintz, who has advised the United Conservative government on multiple issues, most recently on post-secondary funding, and chaired former premier Jason Kenney’s economic recovery council.
- Former Alberta finance and energy minister Ted Morton.
- Cenovus Energy board chair Alex Pourbaix.
- Business Council of Alberta president Adam Legge.
- Former Saskatchewan finance minister Janice MacKinnon, who led a panel examining the provincial government’s finances.
That panel will review the findings and deliver an independent written assessment once the school’s report is completed.
mblack@postmedia.com
