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Hamilton Spectator
06-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Alberta separatism talk goes too far in B.C., but some concerns get sympathy
VANCOUVER - Politicians and business leaders in British Columbia say talk of separation in Alberta is an opening for better co-operation between Ottawa and Western provinces, but dividing the country is a step too far. The reactions come after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said this week that she would put the issue to a referendum if enough residents sign a petition in support, even if she doesn't want Alberta to leave Canada. B.C. Opposition Leader John Rustad says he understands the frustration and it's an opportunity for Prime Minister Mark Carney 'to step up to the plate' and for the federal government to 'unleash the potential of provinces.' B.C. Premier David Eby said last month the idea of Western separatism was a 'waste of time' when the country needs to work together against tariff threats of U.S. President Donald Trump. However, the Business Council of British Columbia says 'Alberta's concerns around policies like emissions caps on oil and gas must be taken seriously.' While the BC Chamber of Commerce wouldn't comment on Alberta separation, it did push for the 'importance of removing unnecessary interprovincial trade barriers and the need to have a single, seamless market in Canada.' 'The BC Chamber of Commerce is focused on critical issues that will unlock the economic potential for British Columbia and Canada,' says chamber CEO Fiona Famulak in a statement. 'Foremost is the need for the federal government and provincial governments to work collaboratively and create a single market in our country, where businesses and consumers can buy and sell products without onerous interprovincial restrictions impeding productivity and growth.' Business Council of B.C. CEO Laura Jones says we need a strong economy, not a fractured country. 'When Alberta thrives, Canada thrives,' she says. 'The reality is that implementing an emissions cap risks undermining affordability, reconciliation, and trade diversification.' Industry experts and researchers say separation wouldn't be a helpful solution to a landlocked province like Alberta needing more access to outside markets. 'The idea of Alberta becoming a separate nation, what would it do other than to create barriers between it and other provinces?' says University of British Columbia-Okanagan associate professor of economics Ross Hickey. 'I don't know what Alberta's situation would be fiscally if it weren't for the flow of capital from outside of the province into the province, and the flow of labour from outside the province in the province. The oil does not extract itself.' B.C. Trucking Association president Dave Earle says Alberta separatism has long, historic roots — and the reasons for its re-emergence should not be dismissed. 'I don't think Canadians really understand the level of dissatisfaction and upset that exists there,' Earle says. 'And that's something we have to find a way both to honour … and really hear what Albertans have to say.' But Earle adds that he isn't worried about a hypothetical separation isolating B.C., where most roads and land links to other parts of Canada go through Alberta. He says the North American land transport system is fully integrated, and Alberta will continue to need the goods being brought in from other jurisdictions through that system — necessitating the routes to stay open and accessible. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 6, 2025.
Ottawa Citizen
06-05-2025
- Business
- Ottawa Citizen
Alberta separatism talk goes too far in B.C., but some concerns get sympathy
Article content Politicians and business leaders in B.C. say talk of separation in Alberta is an opening for better co-operation between Ottawa and Western provinces, but dividing the country is a step too far. Article content Article content The reactions come after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said this week that she would put the issue to a referendum if enough residents sign a petition in support, even if she doesn't want Alberta to leave Canada. Article content Article content B.C. Opposition Leader John Rustad says he understands the frustration and it's an opportunity for Prime Minister Mark Carney 'to step up to the plate' and for the federal government to 'unleash the potential of provinces.' Article content Article content B.C. Premier David Eby said last month the idea of Western separatism was a 'waste of time' when the country needs to work together against tariff threats of U.S. President Donald Trump. Article content However, the Business Council of British Columbia says 'Alberta's concerns around policies like emissions caps on oil and gas must be taken seriously.' Article content While the BC Chamber of Commerce wouldn't comment on Alberta separation, it did push for the 'importance of removing unnecessary interprovincial trade barriers and the need to have a single, seamless market in Canada.' Article content 'The BC Chamber of Commerce is focused on critical issues that will unlock the economic potential for British Columbia and Canada,' says chamber CEO Fiona Famulak in a statement. Article content Article content 'Foremost is the need for the federal government and provincial governments to work collaboratively and create a single market in our country, where businesses and consumers can buy and sell products without onerous interprovincial restrictions impeding productivity and growth.' Article content Article content Business Council of B.C. CEO Laura Jones says we need a strong economy, not a fractured country. Article content 'When Alberta thrives, Canada thrives,' she says. 'The reality is that implementing an emissions cap risks undermining affordability, reconciliation, and trade diversification.' Article content Industry experts and researchers say separation wouldn't be a helpful solution to a landlocked province like Alberta needing more access to outside markets. Article content 'The idea of Alberta becoming a separate nation, what would it do other than to create barriers between it and other provinces?' says University of British Columbia-Okanagan associate professor of economics Ross Hickey. Article content 'I don't know what Alberta's situation would be fiscally if it weren't for the flow of capital from outside of the province into the province, and the flow of labour from outside the province in the province. The oil does not extract itself.'
CBC
21-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
Western Canadian business groups outline wish list ahead of federal election call
Social Sharing Western Canadian business groups have outlined their wish list ahead of an expected federal election call this weekend. Councils in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba jointly released a policy paper Friday entitled Untapped Potential — Driving Canadian Prosperity Through Natural Resources. They say Canada's next government faces a critical choice — continue with policies that limit investment, development and growth or create a competitive environment that allows the resource sector to thrive. "Canada has the untapped potential to be an economic superpower by leaning into policies that support the development of our resource sectors. Instead, we are limiting opportunities for the next generation by falling behind in our growth, productivity, and prosperity," said Laura Jones, head of the Business Council of B.C. "It's time to change course." The paper is focused on five key industries: agriculture, forestry, energy, mining and aquaculture. For all those sectors, the groups advocate for streamlining project approvals, pursuing new global markets and investing in trade-related infrastructure. They also want to see a clear and effective Indigenous consultation process and ways to unlock Indigenous economic potential in the resources sector. 'Unleashing Canada's natural strengths' Adam Legge, president of the Business Council of Alberta, said Canada's resource industry is constrained by regulatory and policy barriers. "This initiative is about growing Canada's economy and improving the well-being of Canadians by unleashing Canada's natural strengths." Bram Strain, who heads the Business Council of Manitoba, said "Western Canada has the expertise, resources, and innovative capacity to grow our nation and meet global demands." The federal government enacted environmental review legislation in 2019 that aimed to better weigh major projects' impact on Canada's greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental, social and health matters. The Impact Assessment Act has since been amended after court challenges to its constitutionality, but Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and others still take issue with the revised legislation. Industry players have said regulatory uncertainty and long review timelines have made it difficult to make investment decisions. "By cutting red tape and creating a more predictable regulatory environment, we can attract investment, create jobs, and ensure long-term economic resilience," said Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. Earlier this week, top executives at 10 major oil and gas producers and four pipeline companies released an open letter urging the federal government to invoke emergency powers to get energy export infrastructure, like pipelines and liquefied natural gas terminals, built. That includes nixing the Impact Assessment Act and a cap on greenhouse gas emissions. Election call expected Sunday Prime Minister Mark Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau in the role a week ago, is expected to ask Gov. Gen. Mary Simon to dissolve parliament on Sunday, triggering an election. The election will take place against the backdrop of a trade war with the United States, as well as President Donald Trump's expressed desire to make Canada the "51st state." Canada has retaliated against U.S. levies with its own tariffs on billions of dollars worth of U.S. goods. The Liberals have said they would keep a cap on industrial greenhouse gas emissions, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has said his party would scrap it. Poilievre has also promised "shovel-ready zones" with pre-approved construction permits for major resource or energy projects.
