Smith says separation could cost $400B, pledges costing report
With the referendum question set for Oct. 19, both sides have less than 150 days to make their case for staying in Canada or pursuing separation.
During a press conference on Monday, Premier Danielle Smith acknowledged voters cannot make an informed decision on independence without a cost estimate.
“I came up with $400 billion in transitional costs that we’d have to assume,” she said, ranging from Alberta’s portion of the federal debt, national defence, social programs, regulatory agencies and more.
Though she opposes independence, Smith says the cost for Alberta leaving Canada could be released this summer as part of her pledge to let Albertans vote on the issue.
“When can Albertans expect that potential document?” a reporter asked Monday during an unrelated press conference. “I hope it will be by August,” Smith replied.
