Alberta's government commissioned an independent study on the economic costs of separation before the October 2026 referendum.
Claimed by: Government of Alberta news release and CBC News, June 12, 2026
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Summary
On June 12, 2026, Finance Minister Jason Nixon announced that the University of Calgary School of Public Policy will produce an independent report on the potential economic impacts if Alberta left Canada, with delivery expected by the end of summer 2026. The province also formed a five-member expert advisory panel, led by economist Jack Mintz, to review the report and provide a separate assessment. The government said the combined work could cost up to $1.5 million. Nixon said Albertans deserve clear information before the Oct. 19 referendum. The study will assume separation is legally possible and estimate transition costs for federal services Alberta would need to assume; it will not examine the legal route to secession.
Evidence
On June 12, 2026, the province announced the University of Calgary School of Public Policy will study potential separation costs and that an expert advisory panel led by Jack Mintz will review the report, with combined costs of up to $1.5 million.
School of Public Policy director Martha Hall Findlay said the report will assume Alberta separation is legally possible and calculate costs of Alberta running services the federal government now provides, with completion targeted before the referendum.
Nixon said Albertans deserve clear and credible information on the potential impacts of separation because it is a huge decision that will affect future generations.