Separation could be accomplished quickly after a yes vote.
Claimed by: Commonly stated by Alberta independence advocates
False: False as written according to the settled evidence. How we rate.
Summary
Experts describe separation as a slow, uncertain process rather than a quick exit. A yes vote would, at most, create an obligation to negotiate; actual separation would require a constitutional amendment with broad provincial and federal agreement, plus talks over assets, debt, borders, treaty rights, and citizenship. Constitutional scholars say this could take years or even decades, and there is no guarantee it would succeed. Framing it as something that could be done quickly misrepresents the legal reality.
Evidence
A constitutional law expert says the process, though unclear, would likely take years if not decades and require a negotiated agreement among all provinces and the federal government.
Legal analysis explains that separation would require a constitutional amendment and that a referendum by itself has no other legal effect.