“Alberta can demand fairer treatment without leaving the country,” said Business Council of Alberta President Adam Legge.
CALGARY, AB — Sept. 8, 2026 — Today, the Business Council of Alberta (BCA) launched a new public communications initiative ahead of Alberta’s Oct. 19 referendum focused on the question of separation. The initiative is designed to help Albertans understand what is at stake, consider the practical implications of separation, and share important voting information in an accessible way.
At a consequential moment for the province, BCA’s initiative makes the case that Alberta’s strongest path to long-term prosperity is within Canada—but not through acceptance of the status quo. The initiative also acknowledges Albertans’ legitimate concerns about how the province has been treated and demonstrates why Alberta can continue demanding meaningful change from the federal government without leaving Canada. Read BCA’s full position statement here.
“Albertans have every right to be frustrated with Ottawa, and I have heard that frustration across the province for years,” said BCA President Adam Legge. “But this is not a choice between separation or just accepting the status quo. Alberta can both remain in Canada and demand fairer treatment from Ottawa.”
BCA’s referendum initiative will provide Albertans with basic information about the separation ballot question, voting eligibility and options, and other practical information needed to participate on Oct. 19, amplifying the information already available from Elections Alberta.
“It’s impossible to understate the uncertainty separation would create,” said Legge. “Alberta’s economy is strong because businesses and investors have confidence in our people, our resources and our province’s ability to get things done. That confidence also comes from the certainty provided by Canada’s currency, existing legal and financial systems, established market and international trade relationships and infrastructure. Whether the outcome of separation is good or bad for Alberta would be highly dependent on factors that are outside the control of Alberta, particularly trade agreements and access to markets. All Albertans should be aware of this reality.”
BCA believes a decision this consequential is too important to be driven solely by frustration, assumptions or incomplete information. Its resources are intended to help Albertans understand what moving forward with separation could mean, consider what could be put at risk and make an informed choice. For more information and to access BCA’s referendum resources, visit BusinessCouncilAB.com/referendum.
BCA is not a registered third-party advertiser and will not purchase paid advertising as part of this initiative.
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About the Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta is Alberta’s leading business coalition, with membership that includes 130 chief executives and leading entrepreneurs from across the province’s diverse industries. We use the vast experience of our members to create sound public policy recommendations that strengthen Alberta’s competitiveness within a strong Canada, leading to greater business opportunities. BCA members are proud to represent the majority of Alberta’s private sector investment, job creation, exports, and research and development.
Media inquiries:
media@businesscouncilab.com