Former GP Wapiti MLA advocating for Alberta to stay in Confederation

Toews also says “all Albertans should be engaged in this question.”

He adds that investors want stability and predictability, adding that there are some sectors noticing a pause in investment, while others have not been impacted at all.

“One thing I do expect, however, if Albertans did vote to separate, I fully believe that would result in years, if not (a decade) of constitutional legal battles and business uncertainty as we sort out so many issues.”

Toews says those issues include how the national debt is shared, the Canada Pension Plan balance and borders, adding he “would be very concerned for Alberta’s economy during that period.” He says even after that, “there is no certainty that Alberta would be better positioned economically.”

He adds there are chances for Alberta to lead the country.

“If we define the status quo as the 10 years under the Trudeau Liberal government, that’s unacceptable, completely unacceptable, but if we take a look at the history of this province and our country, there have been times when Alberta played, I think, a key leadership role within Confederation.”

Toews says what he calls Quebec’s “preoccupation with separation” should serve as “a cautionary tale for Alberta.”

“The preoccupation with separation, the uncertainty it created in their business really hollowed out downtown Montreal. It moved the financial sector from Montreal to Toronto. It really built Bay Street, quite frankly.”

Toews says he believes those both for and against separation “are after the same thing.”

“We want Alberta to prosper. We want the fundamental values that we hold dear in Alberta, the values of freedom and liberty, which ultimately lead to prosperity. The values of a strong rule of law, (and) strong property rights.”

Toews says there would be challenges with separating and staying, but the biggest uncertainty would be a vote for independence.

by Curtis Galbraith