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Half of Calgary Chamber members would consider leaving if Alberta separates: poll
🇨🇦 Canada /Economy & Trade

Half of Calgary Chamber members would consider leaving if Alberta separates: poll

From Global News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A poll commissioned by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce indicates that nearly half of its members would consider relocating their businesses outside Alberta if the province votes to separate from Canada.
  • The survey of 137 Chamber members revealed that almost two-thirds believe separatism talk is negatively impacting their businesses, with 74% seeing no benefit in breaking from Canada.
  • An analysis by economist Trevor Tombe suggests a potential six percent hit to Alberta's GDP per capita and a loss of 175,000 jobs if separation occurs, alongside disruptions to trade for Albertan workers.

The prospect of Alberta separating from Canada has prompted significant concern among the province's business community, with nearly half of Calgary Chamber of Commerce members indicating they would consider moving their operations elsewhere. This finding comes from a poll commissioned by the Chamber and conducted by Probe Research between June 8 and June 22, surveying 137 members.

almost half of its members would move their businesses out of Alberta if the province votes to separate from Canada.

— Calgary Chamber of Commerce pollSummarizing the key finding regarding potential business relocation.

The survey highlights the immediate negative impact of separatism discussions on businesses. Almost two-thirds of respondents reported that such talk is already harming their operations. Furthermore, a substantial majority, 74 percent, see no tangible advantages in Alberta breaking away from Canada, underscoring a lack of perceived benefit from such a drastic political move.

talk of separatism is already having a negative impact on their businesses

— Respondents in the pollDescribing the current business sentiment due to separatism discussions.

These concerns are amplified by an analysis from University of Calgary economist Trevor Tombe. His findings suggest that a separation could lead to severe economic consequences for Alberta. Tombe estimates a six percent reduction in Alberta's gross domestic product per capita and a loss of approximately 175,000 jobs. Additionally, one in three Albertan workers could face disruptions in trade with the rest of Canada and international markets, drawing parallels to the economic impacts observed following the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union.

see no tangible benefit from a break from Canada.

— Respondents in the pollIndicating a lack of perceived advantages of separation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Global News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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