Alberta Separatist Group Estimates Independence Transition at $5B

An Alberta separatist group estimates the one-time cost of transitioning to an independent country would be approximately $5 billion, spread over three years. The Alberta Transition Council’s report suggests this funding would cover the necessary systems, equipment, institutions, and infrastructure for sovereign functions. However, the estimate excludes costs like pensions, federal transfers, debt, assets, and defense equipment, which would depend on future negotiations.

• The Alberta Transition Council estimates the one-time cost of transitioning Alberta to an independent country at $4.96 billion.
• This cost is expected to be spread over approximately three years, averaging $1.65 billion annually.
• The funds would cover systems, equipment, institutions, and infrastructure for sovereign functions.
• Additional annual operating costs for sovereign functions are estimated at $3.63 billion.
• The transition cost estimate excludes pensions, benefits, federal transfers, a share of federal debt or assets, and defense equipment.