Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has dropped a political and financial bomb on separatist assumptions, revealing that leaving Canada could cost nearly $400 billion in start-up costs—roughly $80,000 for every Albertan. The Smith government is preparing a report detailing the price tag of independence, with annual costs estimated between $25 billion and $50 billion, or up to $10,000 per Albertan, year after year.
Eye-Popping Numbers
Smith, who is firmly on the Remain in Canada side of the upcoming referendum on October 19, hopes the full report will be released by August. She has already consulted with the government's new budget boss and economist Trevor Tombe, who has provided preliminary calculations.
Breakdown of Costs
The premier outlined a laundry list of expenses, including Alberta's share of the national debt, military spending to maintain NATO membership, old age security, child tax benefits, infrastructure for a pension plan, employment insurance, and other federal programs. Additional costs include border stations with British Columbia and Saskatchewan, renegotiating trade agreements, setting up trade offices, establishing a post office, and regulating telecommunications, banking, and railways.
“As you see it's a pretty extensive list,” said Smith. The total? Hundreds of billions of dollars—billions with a B.
Doubling Down on Canada
By rolling out these staggering figures, Smith aims to ensure voters understand the financial realities of separation. “People need to understand what it would be to set up a fully functional national government from scratch,” she said. “I think it's responsible for us to be very forthright about the costs associated with what is proposed here so people can make an informed decision. I hope that decision is to remain in Canada.”
