CALGARY — Chris Severson-Baker, executive director of the Pembina Institute, made the following statement on the subject of Alberta’s place in the Canadian federation:
“The Pembina Institute was founded by Albertans, and we continue to work for Albertans and all Canadians to advance a prosperous, secure, climate‑safe future. For decades, we have played a unique role in helping federal decision‑makers understand Alberta’s economic realities — including those of the oil and gas sector — while also urging Alberta to shape its own environmental agenda. Our work has always been grounded in pride for this province and a commitment to holding governments accountable for policies that protect Albertans’ health, quality of life, and long‑term economic stability. Separating from Canada would be disastrous for Alberta’s economy and its ability to prosper in the transition to clean energy that is taking place globally.
“A separate Alberta would lose investment for at least a full generation, not least due to a prolonged period of very high uncertainty about its relationship to Canada and the United States. Alberta would be completely cut off from all coasts, as well as from any Canadian supply chains. Meanwhile, its electricity grid would remain islanded, while energy systems elsewhere in Canada expand and become more integrated, bringing a multitude of cost and reliability benefits to Canadians in other provinces.
“Rather than cutting off from the rest of the world, economic prosperity lies in being an active participant in the accelerating global energy transition. For Alberta, this of course means there is an urgent need to diversify the economy. Albertans recognize this need. Polling consistently shows that two‑thirds of Albertans regard the province’s economy as too dependent on oil and gas, even amid the latest major oil and gas price boom. Several energy scenarios, including from the oil and gas industry, foresee declining global demand in less than a decade – as consumers switch to cheaper, electrified energy uses. This shift is only accelerating as governments and consumers recognise that adopting clean energy solutions is no longer just about protecting the climate, but is about shielding populations from the price shocks and volatility of international oil and gas markets.
“Not only does this mean Alberta needs to transition its industrial economy away from an overreliance on oil and gas production and exports; it also means Albertans urgently need much better access to low-cost clean energy solutions in their everyday lives. Canada is a G7 and OECD nation with strong global investment appeal, and right now is actively looking to build Canadian supply chains for critical minerals, uranium, and other resources the world will need long into the future. By contrast, an isolated Alberta would be at a huge disadvantage in providing Albertans with access to EVs, heat pumps, rooftop or balcony solar, and other affordable, modern energy solutions that their peers around the world are already benefitting from.
“The Pembina Institute supports the full recognition of Indigenous and Treaty rights and works to advance policies that uphold Indigenous sovereignty, stewardship, and decision-making authority. Reconciliation requires meaningful partnership with Indigenous Peoples and ensuring they share in the benefits, ownership, and governance of Canada's clean energy future. Alberta separation infringes on Indigenous treaty rights; a simple and obvious fact that was recently upheld by courts. The separatists and Alberta government have failed to meaningfully engage with First Nations regarding separation as required by the law.
“For Canada, Alberta’s separation would consume enormous political and bureaucratic capacity at a moment when rapid national clean‑energy buildout is essential for national security and long‑term prosperity. The future both Alberta and Canada seek would be severely compromised by such a process. The Pembina Institute remains proudly Albertan and Canadian, and our experience – over more than 40 years of advocating for prudent energy and climate policymaking – has shown us that constructive collaboration between the provincial and federal governments can deliver real progress. That cooperation is worth protecting, now more than ever.”
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