Many Albertans have recently raised questions regarding Alberta’s potential independence. These questions often come from individuals who had never previously considered the idea or who are now seriously exploring it. Below are responses to the most frequently asked questions, based on the best available information. For further clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.
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1. How would Alberta gain access to tidewater ports?
International law requires that landlocked nations be granted access to tidewater through reasonable negotiation with neighbouring countries. If British Columbia or Canada were to obstruct Alberta’s access, Alberta could respond by imposing tariffs on goods transiting east through the province.
Alternatives include negotiating access through the United States via Seattle. Numerous prosperous nations, such as Switzerland, Austria, and the Czech Republic, are landlocked. Freedom comes with responsibility, not guarantees.
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2. Will businesses leave Alberta due to uncertainty?
Unlikely. Alberta is Canada’s economic engine, with a GDP per capita of USD 71,639, compared to the Canadian average of USD 54,460.
Over the past decade, federal policies, including net-zero mandates, Bill C-69 (“no more pipelines”), and DEI compliance, have led to $500 billion in lost investment and the loss of tens of thousands of jobs in Canada. An independent Alberta with lower taxes, streamlined regulations, and pro-business governance would likely attract, not repel, investment.
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3. Can Alberta negotiate fair trade deals as an independent nation?
Are we getting a fair deal now?
Alberta’s top trading partners will remain the U.S. and Japan, both of which rely heavily on our energy and agricultural commodities. Fair trade means mutual access: we import their goods tariff-free, and they do the same for ours. Alberta’s rich resources, especially oil and LNG, give it substantial negotiating leverage. Barriers that currently exist between provinces can now be negotiated from a position of strength, as we need to get products to tidewater. In contrast, they need to move goods through Alberta to market in the rest of Canada, so there will be motivation to make this work.
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4. What happens to pensions, policing, and national defence?
Pensions:
Alberta contributes $9 billion annually to CPP but receives only $6 billion in benefits, a structural imbalance that has persisted for over 40 years. The difference, estimated at over $334 billion, represents Alberta’s rightful share of the fund. Alberta’s pension model will offer lower contributions and higher returns, as supported by the Lifeworks report written by Shepnell and Morneau, and attached.
We are supporting the rest of Canada. CPP is a go as a pay-as-you-go system. From the life report, we will be contributing less (both employees and employers) but will receive increased pensions. CPP supplements once Alberta manages its own plan; the payments cannot be less than the CPP payments. One may elect to keep their CPP and not receive pension from Alberta, but I do not know why one would do so.
Policing:
Ontario and Quebec already have their own provincial police forces. Alberta can easily transition to its force by recruiting existing RCMP officers or expanding the provincial sheriffs. RCMP response times, especially in rural areas, are often over an hour. Alberta needs a faster, more responsive force. Bilingual training requirements for RCMP officers, funded by Alberta, are unnecessary here.
Defense:
Canada’s army is understaffed by 25,000 personnel. Alberta would not require a navy and could adopt a Swiss-style reserve model, known for its effectiveness and cost efficiency.
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5. What about passports and currency?
All sovereign nations issue their passports. Once recognized by the U.S. and United Nations, Alberta could do the same. Dual citizenship would remain an option.
As for currency, Alberta could issue a bond-backed or gold-backed currency. Our strong fiscal outlook and resource base would ensure demand. Alberta bonds would be in high demand, and a sovereign Alberta dollar could be stronger than the Canadian dollar.
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6. What are the benefits, and are there any downsides?
Benefits:
Elimination of federal transfer payments
Single-language labelling: ending over $2 billion/year in bilingualism costs
Cultural and political alignment with conservative, entrepreneurial values
Removal of interprovincial trade barriers
Annual per-worker savings of $17,000-$25,000 (Alberta Prosperity Project estimate)
Full control over taxation, immigration, infrastructure, and energy policy.
Downsides:
Economic Uncertainty During Transition – Businesses, investors, and international partners may hesitate during the early stages due to a lack of clarity around taxation, regulation, and trade agreements. This could lead to short-term capital flight or delays in investment.
Institution Building Costs – Establishing Alberta-specific versions of federal institutions (e.g., pensions, currency, border services, foreign affairs, military) would require significant upfront investment and administrative capacity, especially in the first 5–10 years.
Legal and Constitutional Challenges – The path to independence would likely be challenged under Canadian constitutional law and could face resistance in the courts, from the federal government, and other provinces. This could lead to a prolonged political and legal standoff, slowing progress and fostering domestic division.
Structure of Government – We will most certainly continue with our current Provincial Government as an interim measure to begin with. Still, we are sure Albertans will have much to contribute in terms of what form our government should take moving forward.
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7. Is Alberta going it alone? What about trade with other provinces?
Alberta must lead. Other provinces, particularly Saskatchewan, may follow suit.
With high household income and a population exceeding 5 million, Alberta is an attractive trade partner. By removing federal excise taxes and simplifying import rules, Alberta can lower costs and attract commerce. Our prosperity is already built on low taxes, efficient governance, and entrepreneurial energy.
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8. What about other federal programs?
Alberta would assume complete control of:
Employment Insurance (EI)
Old Age Security (OAS)
Skilled trades and workforce development
We already run many of these programs and have the fiscal capacity to expand them. Federal dependency is not a necessity-it’s a choice.
It will be the decision of Albertans on how and which social programs to develop, instead of Ottawa deciding for Albertans. Will Albertans choose to emulate the socialistic policies of Ottawa, or would Albertans decide on a better, cost-efficient system? This could possibly mean returning duties of health and wealth decisions to families. Albertans will decide.
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9. Why would Alberta succeed when Quebec never has?
Quebec never wanted to leave. They receive $12-15 billion in equalization annually, mainly from Alberta taxpayers. Their referendum question was unclear and deliberately convoluted.
Every Prime Minister since 1968 (except Stephen Harper) has been from Quebec. That’s not a coincidence-it’s patronage.
Alberta has no such incentive to stay. We have every reason to lead.
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10. What about Indigenous treaties and relationships?
Under the Clarity Act, Alberta is required to negotiate with Indigenous groups. Many First Nations leaders support independence and advocate for the abolition of the Indian Act, seeking new arrangements based on mutual respect. It would be based on the following criteria.
One person, one vote. No special treatment for indigenous citizens. In the event of a successful referendum, the First Nations can elect to:
Continue to have the reserve lands owned by Canada, and the Canadian federal government continue to administer the treaties (status quo).
Opt to have the Alberta government assume the obligations of the existing treaties from the Canadian Government.
Negotiate a new framework agreement with the Alberta government to replace and modernize the existing treaties.
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12. What’s the process, and what support is needed?
Clear mandate through referendum
Broad support from Albertans
New political movement or realignment of existing parties
Structured negotiations with Ottawa under Canadian law
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Final Thought
Do we want to be governed by policies conceived in Ottawa and Quebec, or do we wish to shape our destiny?
Alberta has been diminished by decades of Liberal policies, imposed without consent. We owe our children the same courage Alberta’s pioneers had. Independence is not rebellion-it is responsibility.
THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW!!!.
