Alberta Referendum 2026

Evidence-based, non-partisan economic insights on Alberta's upcoming vote

Alberta faces its biggest economic crossroads in history—are you making decisions based on data or headlines?

On October 19, 2026, Albertans will vote in a referendum on ten questions addressing immigration, the Canadian Constitution and whether Alberta should remain in Canada or begin the legal process to hold a binding referendum on Alberta’s separation from Canada.

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing an evidence-based, non-partisan perspective on the economic implications of the referendum. Representing more than 400,000 employees across diverse sectors, we are committed to advocating for policies and outcomes that support business success and long-term economic prosperity.

The economic implications of Alberta separation

Alberta’s economic strength is built on access to markets, investment, infrastructure and talent across Canada and around the world. Commissioned by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and prepared by economist Trevor Tombe, this report examines how separation could affect trade, investment, labour mobility and public finances, helping Albertans better understand the economic implications and what is at stake for the province’s future prosperity. 

The economic implications of Alberta separation

View report

Our recently released report.

Read explainer

The report explained in a nutshell and easy to understand.

Read press release

Our recently released report.

Sign the open letter

Show your support for Canada ahead of the October 19 Alberta referendum. Read our open letter here.

Referendum 101
Economic Analysis
Member Insights

The Ten Referendum Questions Explained

On October 19, 2026, Albertans will vote on ten referendum questions covering immigration, provincial programs, voting requirements, constitutional reform and Alberta’s relationship with Canada.

Explainer: How to vote and employer obligations on October 19

Vote in Alberta’s Oct. 19 referendum by mail, advance voting, or on voting day. Learn ID requirements, registration, and employee voting rights.

Referendum 101: What Albertans need to know before the October 19 vote

Learn how Alberta’s Oct. 19 referendum works, what the 10 questions mean, and what happens before and after the vote.

Opinion: Alberta’s only firing rockets at its own goal if it starts down the path to separation

Deborah Yedlin examines why Alberta separation could put jobs, investment and economic growth at risk, and why Alberta’s future is stronger within Canada.

Explainer: Alberta’s economic advantage: What separation could risk

Alberta enters the separation debate from a position of considerable strength. Alongside its significant natural resource endowment, the province has a skilled and growing workforce, competitive tax environment, strong investment and access to customers across Canada and around the world.

New report from Calgary Chamber unveils high stakes of Alberta separation

A new report by University of Calgary economist Trevor Tombe, commissioned by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, examines the potential economic implications of Alberta separating from Canada.

REPORT: Alberta’s economy highly exposed to trade; separation poses risk of new trade barriers

As Canadian businesses face growing barriers in key international markets, a recent study by Trevor Tombe, Professor of Economics at the University of Calgary, commissioned by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, finds Canada’s internal trade barriers impose significant costs on the national economy – and that Alberta separation would likely exacerbate these barriers.

Opinion: Alberta could score big in global investment, if it doesn’t self-sabotage

Canada — and Alberta — were on the global financial stage earlier this week as investors representing $120 trillion in capital gathered in Toronto for a close-up view of the opportunities represented by the 167 projects outlined in the federal deal book.

Lessons from Quebec: How separatism impacted the economy and business community

What can Alberta learn from Quebec? Explore the economic and business impacts of decades of separatism debates.

What businesses are weighing as Alberta debates separation

As Alberta debates separation, businesses are weighing risks to investment, hiring, growth, and long-term economic certainty.

Release: Nearly half of Calgary Chamber members are likely to relocate business if Alberta separation process moves forward

According to a new survey, nearly half of Calgary Chamber member respondents say they are prepared to leave Alberta and relocate their business to another province if Albertans vote to begin the formal process towards separation from Canada.

Latest work

Explore our latest research, commentary, and evidence-based articles examining how the October 19 referendum could impact Calgary’s business landscape.