The Calgary Chamber of Commerce has warned that a potential referendum

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce has warned that a potential referendum on Alberta's separation from Canada would be detrimental to both the province's and the country's economies, citing uncertainty as a significant deterrent for businesses considering investment.

Deborah Yedlin, the chamber's president and CEO, emphasized that companies are not drawn to environments where the political landscape could change drastically, referencing the negative economic impacts that surrounded the 1980 referendum in Quebec. The chamber represents numerous businesses in Canada's energy corporate capital, including several major oil and gas companies. Atco Ltd. CEO Nancy Southern has also commented on the issue, stating that Asian partners have put a hydrogen project investment decision on hold due to the ongoing separatist discussions. Yedlin believes that more business leaders will voice their concerns as annual meetings continue, emphasizing that the current political rhetoric is not constructive for Alberta.

The Alberta government has made it easier to hold constitutional referendums, with a reduced signature requirement of 177,000 from the previous 600,000. However, Yedlin argues that the fundamental arguments for separation are flawed and do not align with business interests. Additionally, Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre have also acknowledged the economic concerns and frustrations with Ottawa but have not endorsed separatism.