Calgary Council Divided Over Mayor’s Push for Formal Endorsement of Alberta Staying in Canada
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas is seeking a formal city council endorsement for Alberta remaining in Canada ahead of the October 19 referendum, citing a University of Calgary report estimating separation costs at up to $170 billion. While some councillors support the move to reassure investors, others argue that taking an official stance on provincial matters exceeds municipal jurisdiction or diverts focus from urgent budget deliberations.
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas intends to ask city council to formally endorse Calgary remaining within a united Canada via urgent business or a special meeting. This initiative comes ahead of an October 19 referendum asking whether the province should remain in Canada or commence legal processes for a binding separation referendum.
Farkas cites a new report from the University of Calgary School of Public Policy which found that Alberta's separation could cost the province up to $170 billion over a five-year period. The potential economic loss has raised concerns about investment hesitation in Calgary due to uncertainty surrounding the separatism debate.
Alberta municipalities are prohibited from raising money or advertising support for either side of the referendum but are permitted to take a position on the debate. Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack previously secured his council's backing for a motion stating Alberta should remain in Canada.
The proposal has divided Calgary city councillors regarding the appropriate role of municipal government in provincial referendums. Ward 3 Councillor Andrew Yule supports an official stance to send a positive message to investors concerned about uncertainty. Ward 2 Councillor Jennifer Wyness stated that staying in Canada is a "no-brainer" vote for her. Ward 8 Councillor Nathaniel Schmidt argued the referendum is relevant to council because other levels of government affect city operations and infrastructure funding. Similarly, Ward 9 Councillor Harrison Clark stated that the implications of the referendum impact every facet of the City of Calgary's business.
However, other councillors oppose the move. Ward 14 Councillor Landon Johnston argued that council should focus on city business like budget deliberations rather than taking a position on the referendum. Ward 1 Councillor Kim Tyers opposed holding a special meeting, arguing the issue does not meet the threshold for extraordinary circumstances requiring urgent municipal action. Ward 13 Councillor Dan McLean stated that while he supports remaining in Canada, he believes the referendum is a provincial matter outside the city council's lane.
This conflict highlights disagreements on whether taking an official stance falls within municipal jurisdiction or constitutes stepping outside their "lane" into provincial matters. Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams has warned that he would "course correct" municipal governments that step outside their jurisdiction.