While many Calgary city council members have expressed strong support for Alberta to remain in Canada, at least one councillor remains uncertain about the province's future. The debate comes ahead of an October referendum asking Albertans whether they want the province to pursue independence.
Mayor's Stance and Legal Limitations
Mayor Jeromy Farkas has denounced the idea of Alberta separation, citing negative economic impacts on Calgary. He has asked Premier Danielle Smith to amend provincial law to allow municipalities to campaign in the referendum. Currently, the city is prohibited from registering as a third-party advertiser, though individual councillors can express their views.
“The practical dimensions of separation don’t make sense, but the economic harm is even more significant,” Farkas told reporters at a Stampede media availability on Wednesday. “I strongly will continue to advocate as mayor for us to lean into Confederation, to fix our country, to be able to ensure Alberta’s concerns are addressed. But the way that we do that is we lean in, we don’t take our ball and go home.”
Council Opinions
Ward 4 Coun. DJ Kelly voiced similar pro-Canada sentiments, saying he has yet to hear a convincing argument for separation. “I’ve yet to hear an articulated argument for how things actually get better if we separate, but as the City of Calgary as a whole, because of third-party advertiser rules, it may not be appropriate for the city to weigh in to that area,” Kelly said in a recent media scrum.
Ward 3 Coun. Andrew Yule also firmly supports Alberta remaining a Canadian province, warning that separation could jeopardize federal funding for city projects like the Green Line. “The referendum to have a referendum just seems a little silly to me,” Yule told reporters in May. “I’m Canadian through and through and believe it’s important for the City of Calgary to have investor confidence in our city, to make sure we’re a place where people aren’t afraid to invest in because of the fact there’s this question over our heads.”
City's Research Role
Despite the ban on campaigning, Calgary can conduct independent research into the economic impact of separation, using examples like Montreal after Quebec's separation votes. This could inform the debate without violating provincial rules.
The referendum, set for October, will ask Albertans if they want the province to remain in Canada or pursue legal steps toward a binding separation vote.
