Conflicting pictures of Alberta separation outlined by reports

Alberta's separation from Canada would be costly and confusing. That's the conclusion from an Alberta think tank studying impacts of a potential exit from the country. The issues range from constitutional issues, First Nations issues, economic analysis. The report from the Canada West Foundation says set-up costs for independents could reach $200 billion and could very well shrink Alberta's economy, cause jobs to be lost, And while it acknowledges Alberta's grievances are real, like on equalization and energy and climate policy, Separation is not the solution. Every province has its grievances with the federal government. a pro-separatism group calls the report pessimistic. We're not starting from scratch, right? Those people who work at the airports, we're not going to blow up the airport. It's still there. All we're doing is changing the payroll. The Alberta Transition Council now releasing its own plan. From taxes and pensions to a 100-day period for Indigenous consultation, stressing that disruption of daily life would be minimal. The 214-page document touting the contributions of 45 people across various industries, all anonymous. Keith Wilson says this was done to protect from backlash in a polarizing debate. I think the credibility of the work will speak for itself. There's all kinds of experts out there that will review it, and if they think there's something wrong, they can bring it to our attention. But institutional change will come at a cost, according to this constitutional expert. The ACT plan is a very unsubstantial plan, which really focuses more on the type of attitude, which is don't worry, be happy. The Alberta Transition Council is also working The Alberta government commissioned a report meant to look at the economic ramifications of separation. That report is expected to be released in the coming weeks. Morgan Black, CBC News, Edmonton.