Uncertainty over Alberta separation comes at ‘exactly the wrong time’: chamber CEO

CALGARY — The head of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce says uncertainty around Alberta’s future role in the country brings risks for investor confidence, economic growth and Canada’s global competitiveness at “exactly the wrong time.”

Candace Laing made her remarks in a written statement after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced Albertans are to vote this fall on whether to hold a binding referendum on separation.

Laing says Canada has already been contending with economic costs beyond its control while also recognizing the need to remove self-imposed barriers.

She says legitimate concerns are being raised in Alberta, but Canada’s democratic system is strong enough to address them constructively.

ATCO Ltd. chief executive Nancy Southern has been one of the few Alberta business leaders to speak out in favour of Alberta staying within Canada.

She told reporters following the company’s annual general meeting last week that Albertans should take lessons from the Brexit vote a decade ago, which led to the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union.

“It has not been a good situation for Great Britain,” she said.

“It’s in my heart and soul to be a proud Canadian as well as a proud Albertan. I don’t believe this discussion should have gone as far as it has.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 22, 2026.

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Lauren Krugel, The Canadian Press