Let’s get back to business — and more growth.

Ever since the UCP government announced last May that a provincewide referendum would include a question on separation, the issue has loomed over the province’s economy and business leaders.

Varcoe: 'Enough time has been lost' — Alberta businesses shift focus to growth, after decisive referendum vote Back to video

That cloud of uncertainty has now lifted.

“Enough time has been lost to this referendum. There’s much work to do. Let’s get going,” Business Council of Alberta president Adam Legge said in a statement.

Three-quarters of Albertans voted to remain in Canada in Monday’s referendum, instead of opting to kick-start the process of holding a binding vote on independence.

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It removes a thicket of unpredictability, paving the way for future growth opportunities.

“This resounding result to remain in Canada is very good news for the Alberta investment climate,” Joe Lougheed, chair of the Heritage Fund Opportunities Corp., said in an interview.

“Global capital is like water — it flows to where it gets the best return at the lowest risk. And the separation question was creating a question mark on risk . . . With this behind us, I’m very positive about Alberta and its economy.”

For Alberta businesses and investors, Monday’s result follows months of division surrounding the issue, and its effect on major decisions.

After the company’s annual meeting last year, ATCO chief executive Nancy........

© Calgary Herald