Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas Slams Alberta Separation Referendum Question as “Ridiculous Lack of Leadership”

Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas has strongly criticized the Alberta government’s proposed referendum question on provincial separation, calling it a “ridiculous lack of leadership” that could damage Calgary’s economy, investor confidence, and reputation on the global stage.

Speaking Friday at Calgary City Hall while standing before three Canadian flags, Farkas warned that even discussing Alberta separation sends the wrong message to businesses and investors considering opportunities in the province’s largest city.

The referendum question, introduced by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and the United Conservative Party government, asks voters whether Alberta should remain part of Canada or pursue the legal process required to hold a binding referendum on secession.

Farkas argued the move creates unnecessary political uncertainty at a time when Calgary should be focusing on major priorities such as housing affordability, public safety, infrastructure, and economic growth.

“Even just having a vote on whether to have a vote is a ridiculous lack of leadership being demonstrated by the provincial government,” Farkas said during the news conference.

The mayor warned that reopening debates around separation could negatively affect Calgary’s position as a stable and attractive destination for business investment. He said companies may hesitate to invest in Alberta if questions arise about the province’s long-term future within Canada.

Farkas pointed to the historical experience of Montreal during Quebec’s separation referendums in 1980 and 1995, arguing that political uncertainty led some businesses and financial institutions to move operations elsewhere.

“There is a reason the Bank of Montreal is no longer headquartered in Montreal,” he said, suggesting Calgary could face similar economic consequences if separatist discussions intensify.

The mayor emphasized that Calgary benefits from being part of a united Canada and vowed to publicly defend the city’s role within the country.

“I will make a loud and proud case for this country and our city’s role in it,” Farkas stated. “My job is to fight for the city’s future, protect confidence in our economy and make the case that Calgary is stable, ambitious and open for business.”

Despite his criticism, Farkas acknowledged growing frustrations among Albertans over federal policies, particularly during former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s tenure. However, he maintained that separation debates distract from practical solutions and long-term economic stability.

Premier Danielle Smith defended the referendum proposal during her own media appearance Friday, saying the wording was designed to comply with legal requirements and survive potential court challenges. She also noted that hundreds of thousands of Albertans signed petitions related to Alberta sovereignty and separation issues.

Smith reiterated that both she and her UCP government support Alberta remaining within Canada, but argued that Ottawa’s past policies created significant frustration across the province.

“The 10 years of uncertainty created by the Trudeau government working with the NDP, the block on any kind of opportunity for us to build pipelines … created a heck of a lot of investment uncertainty,” Smith said.

The growing political debate over Alberta’s future has sparked concern among business leaders, economists, and municipal officials, many of whom fear that prolonged discussions about separation could create economic instability and discourage investment in key sectors such as energy, technology, and real estate.

The proposed referendum is expected to remain a major political issue in Alberta heading into the coming months, with strong opinions emerging from both supporters and opponents of separation.

Courtesy: calgaryherald