Alberta separatism vote set for October amid pension debate
Voters could decide on independence this fall. Both sides dispute claims about CPP, passports, and economic benefits.
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Albertans will vote on separation this October, and both sides are already clashing over what independence would mean for pensions, passports, and the economy.
Separatist organizer Wendy Fitzpatrick said pensions are the biggest concern she hears from older Albertans. "Seniors think they're going to lose it if we separate, but we can't lose something we've already paid into," she said. Pro-independence attendees at a Let's Talk Alberta event noted that Canadians can receive old age security cheques while living overseas if they lived in Canada for at least 20 years after turning 18.
On passports, separatists argued that Canada doesn't force citizens to surrender a Canadian passport when they gain citizenship elsewhere, so why would Albertans gaining an Alberta passport be different?
Pro-Canada supporters countered that independence won't deliver the economic benefits separatists promise. They doubt an independent, landlocked Alberta could reduce taxes or promote oil and gas as claimed, especially facing huge startup costs.
CBC News set up listening stations at both separatist and pro-Canada events to understand the disputed facts. Some questions may not be settled unless Albertans vote for separation and trigger actual negotiations with Canada and other provinces.