Hon. Kristopher Wells: Minister, it is great to see you here from Edmonton.
On October 19, Albertans will vote on 10 referendum questions. One of these questions asks whether the Province of Alberta should begin the constitutional process toward a binding vote on separation. A report from ATB Financial and Calgary Economic Development indicates that, although Alberta’s economy is primed for economic growth, this momentum could be slowed by the uncertainty brought about by the referendum.
Minister, can you tell us what kind of assessment the Government of Canada has made of this referendum’s potential economic impact on Alberta and the wider Prairie region? What is the Government of Canada doing to assure investors and employers that federal support for the region’s economy remains steady and predictable, whatever the outcome might be?
Hon. Eleanor Olszewski, P.C., M.P., Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada: That’s a great question, senator.
Of course, we know there have already been economic impacts with just the discussion about separatism — the length of time that those discussions have been taking place. You’re absolutely right: There have been numerous reports, including from the chambers of commerce in Edmonton and Calgary, from the Business Council of Alberta and numerous other organizations, to the effect that we’re already suffering economic losses. There are businesses that are making decisions not to hire or invest.
We really need a strong outcome. We need a decisive “remain” vote on October 19.
In terms of what the federal government is doing regarding separation and assuring investors, we’ve tried to act and not just tell people about separation. We’ve acted to reset the relationship with Alberta and to work so hard to partner with Alberta where we have common goals — to work with the province so we can do things like get Alberta’s resources to markets, build appropriate housing in the province of Alberta and help strengthen defence supply chains in Alberta.
Those are pragmatic and real ways that our government has tried to work with Alberta and reassure investors and business people that we are there to —
[Translation]The Hon. the Speaker: Thank you, minister.
[English]Senator K. Wells: A concern that many of us share is that this referendum and the uncertainty it has brought to our economy, as you mentioned, will open a prolonged period of constitutional instability at a time when Albertan families are struggling to afford basic necessities, like food, housing and gas.
Can you tell us if the Government of Canada has done any contingency planning to protect Alberta’s economy and ensure workers are protected should there be a prolonged period of economic and constitutional instability?
Ms. Olszewski: At this point in time, senator, with respect to what we’re doing in the province of Alberta, as I’ve indicated, it’s to show that we’re in partnership with Alberta by continuing to invest and by continuing to ensure that Albertans understand that Alberta is central to our economic vision for the country.
In addition, at the present time, regarding financial support, the focus has really been on tariff relief and dealing with the global uncertainty and instability that’s been caused to provinces, including Alberta, on account of tariffs.
In terms of support right now, the focus is on assisting small‑ and medium-sized businesses through Prairies Economic Development Canada, or PrairiesCan, but also larger —
[Translation]The Hon. the Speaker: Thank you, minister.