Share this Story : National Post Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Colby Cosh: Alberta separatists self-sabotage by rejecting expertise

They could try to use actual economic arguments, but that would mean leaning on dreaded experts

On Wednesday morning, the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy published a report commissioned by the province on the economic implications of Alberta separation. Must this document itself already count as part of the wastefulness induced by the contrived separation debate? I’m afraid that has been my mood during the initial perusal of it, as much as I instinctively dislike the coming wave of oversimplifying “ALBERTA SECESSION WOULD COST THREE ZILLION GRILLION DOLLARS” headlines.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.

Enjoy additional articles per month.

Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments

Enjoy additional articles per month

Get email updates from your favourite authors

Sign In or Create an Account

The report identifies several ways in which an independent Alberta might, quite realistically, end up better off in the not-too-long run with separation. The economic impacts are projected under “smooth” and “difficult” political scenarios, with lots of other sources of uncertainty in the background, and the smooth scenario recognizes that Canada really does exploit Alberta in ways that........

© National Post