Frequently Asked Questions

What The APP IS:

• The APP is a non-profit educational project
• The APP is a non-political group of Albertans promoting Alberta independence
• The APP is a growing movement of Albertans who want to be freed from Ottawa

What The APP IS NOT:

• The APP is not a political party
• The APP is not a partisan project backing any politicians or parties
• The APP is not a business

Put simply, the Alberta Prosperity Project (APP) is a comprehensive educational initiative focused on garnering support for a future where Alberta determines its destiny, ensuring prosperity and freedom for future generations.

1. Fall 2025 – Summer 2026: Alberta conducts an honest and successful referendum on independence with a clear and unmistakable question. According to the Clarity Act 2000, a successful referendum is required to legally and morally launch negotiations between Alberta and Ottawa.
2. Summer 2026 – Summer 2027: After an overwhelming majority of Albertans vote for independence, Alberta enters into good–faith negotiations with Canada, the provinces, and Indigenous peoples regarding separation and the details surrounding it. While negotiations are taking place, Alberta begins building an Alberta Revenue Agency, police force, pension fund, and other critical components of a nation.
3. Summer 2027 – Beyond: If negotiations are successful and the provinces agree to Alberta separation, a Constitutional amendment will occur and Alberta will be declared a sovereign nation.¹

¹https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-31.8/page-1.html

If good–faith negotiations between Alberta and Canada are unsuccessful following Alberta’s successful referendum on independence, Alberta can still appeal to paragraphs 154 and 155 of the Quebec Secession Reference for guidance.¹ Specifically, para 155 says that following unsuccessful negotiations, a province may issue a de facto declaration of independence and pursue international recognition of sovereignty.

Therefore, if talks between Ottawa and Alberta collapse despite Alberta’s democratic mandate, Alberta can maintain its mandate by issuing a de facto declaration of independence dependent on recognition from the international community.

¹The Quebec Secession Ruling is available here: https://decisions.scc-csc.ca/scc-csc/scc-csc/en/item/1643/index.do

If it chooses to pursue independence, here is what would be required for each province to join an independent Alberta:

1. According to the Clarity Act 2000, each province would need to have its own, clear question, clear majority, referendum vote on independence. The House of Commons must certify the vote, question, and process.
2. Following successful referendums on independence, each province would need to negotiate its own constitutional exit from Canada with the Federal Government and other parties, just as the Alberta Prosperity Project is preparing Alberta to do right now.
3. If negotiations are successful with the Federal Government and the province in question becomes independent of Canada, it can then choose to approach Alberta and enter into new negotiations regarding a treaty of union.

Whether other provinces have an appetite for their own independence right now or not, it is clear that Alberta must lead the independence movement. No other province has as much momentum behind independence as Alberta does. Once independent, Alberta will be able to show all other provinces how they too can flourish under a new system of government separate from Ottawa.

“Wouldn’t an independent Alberta be landlocked?” is one of the most common questions the APP receives. “An Alberta within Canada is already landlocked” is our reply.

Asking whether or not an independent Alberta would be landlocked is an excellent question, but it’s a non–sequiter. The fact of the matter is that according to the classical definition of “landlocking,” Alberta is already subject to it. We do not have immediate access to any port on our North, South, East, or West sides, and unless something drastic changes in the future, it’s going to stay that way.

The question to ask, therefore, is not whether an independent Alberta would be landlocked or not, but whether an independent Alberta can navigate its landlock better than an Alberta within Canada can. And the answer to that question is a resounding yes. Here’s why:

1. USA

From Alberta’s $353.3 billion annual GDP, $182.2 billion is exported internationally ¹, and $38.7 billion is imported internationally ². But shockingly, almost 90% ($167 billion) of Alberta’s international exports flow to America. Put simply, America is far and away Alberta’s largest trading partner.

But while Alberta’s economic prosperity is intimately connected to America’s appetite for our goods, Alberta does not presently have the authority to sign trade deals with America. According to sections 91(2) and 132 of the Canadian Constitution, that authority rests chiefly with Ottawa. The main problem with this division of authority is that Ottawa’s interests are not Alberta’s interests. Ottawa signs trade deals that are best for the east, not the west. Thus, Alberta does not presently experience immunity from COOL–style beef labeling, or guaranteed pipeline infrastructure into America, leading to uncertainty in the markets.

However, if Alberta were independent, it would finally have the right to negotiate international trade deals (including deals with America) on its own behalf and for its benefit. Ottawa would no longer represent us; we would represent ourselves. Freed from bureaucratic restrictions like Bill C–69, and freed from the influence of lobbies like the eastern dairy cartel, we would be able to ship increased volumes of goods like oil and gas to America, while also importing more international goods as well.

¹ https://www.atb.com/company/insights/the-twenty-four/alberta-international-exports-to-december-2024/
² https://oec.world/en/profile/subnational_can/alberta

2. LEVERAGE

As previously mentioned, Alberta does not negotiate trade deals between itself and the international community. According to the Constitution, that authority rests chiefly with the Federal Government. This is true, not only for international trade, but domestic trade as well. Just as Ottawa negotiates international trade on Alberta’s behalf, it governs trade between Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, and the rest of the provinces and territories.

Once again, this is a source of frustration for Alberta. If certain provinces block Alberta’s trade with other nations, as is common with our pipeline woes, Alberta is unable to retaliate. For example, the UCP passed Bill 12 in 2018, hoping to govern the flow of Alberta’s oil. This would have effectively “turned off the taps,” giving Alberta trade leverage in the process. However, after Alberta passed Bill 12, Canadian courts ruled the Bill constitutionally impermissible, and the province had to retreat from its position.

But if Alberta were independent, it would command a level of leverage it’s never experienced before. Not only would we be able to negotiate international trade deals for itself, it would be able to deal domestically as well. Rather than being handcuffed by the Federal Government, Alberta could employ new tools, and forge new relationships, to both economize and increase our exports and imports.

3. UN LAW OF THE SEA

Right now, Alberta is part of Canada. Canada is not (geographically) landlocked. Therefore, Alberta is not part of a landlocked country and is not protected by international landlocking rights. For example, the UN passed “The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982” ³. In it, there are rights granted to land–locked nations like:

Land-locked States shall have the right of access to and from the sea for the purpose of exercising the rights provided for in this Convention including those relating to the freedom of the high seas and the common heritage of mankind. To this end, land-locked States shall enjoy freedom of transit through the territory of transit States by all means of transport.

And,

Transit States, in the exercise of their full sovereignty over their territory, shall have the right to take all measures necessary to ensure that the rights and facilities provided for in this Part for land-locked States shall in no way infringe their legitimate interests.

And,

Traffic in transit shall not be subject to any customs duties, taxes or other charges except charges levied for specific services rendered in connection with such traffic.

These are rights which would be granted to Alberta only if it were an independent nation. It would be a new piece of leverage we’ve never had before. And combined with the other tools mentioned previously, like being able to negotiate with America, and being able to negotiate with Canada and the other provinces, Alberta would finally be able to enjoy a position of trade that reflects our industrious attitude. Put simply, rather than acting within Canada, Alberta is able to navigate its landlock far more efficiently, effectively, and productively, as an independent nation.

³ https://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/part10.htm

If it chooses to pursue independence, here is what would be required for each province to join an independent Alberta:

1. According to the Clarity Act 2000, each province would need to have its own, clear question, clear majority, referendum vote on independence. The House of Commons must certify the vote, question, and process.
2. Following successful referendums on independence, each province would need to negotiate its own constitutional exit from Canada with the Federal Government and other parties, just as the Alberta Prosperity Project is preparing Alberta to do right now.
3. If negotiations are successful with the Federal Government and the province in question becomes independent of Canada, it can then choose to approach Alberta and enter into new negotiations regarding a treaty of union.

Whether other provinces have an appetite for their own independence right now or not, it is clear that Alberta must lead the independence movement. No other province has as much momentum behind independence as Alberta does. Once independent, Alberta will be able to show all other provinces how they too can flourish under a new system of government separate from Ottawa.

Yes, as an independent country, Alberta will have its own passports. It will also work its hardest to negotiate a dual–citizenship agreement with Canada so that Albertans can carry both Alberta and Canada passports.

The APP is proposing Alberta become a constitutional republic. Here’s why:

1. Protected Democracy – The terms “democracy” and “republic” are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. The term “democracy” derives from a combination of the Greek words demos (meaning “people”) and kratos (meaning “rule”). Thus, democracy is best described as a political system where the people’s majority is the law of the land. It means that power is divested among the population, which is good. It also means that if 51/100 citizens vote to harm a man, the man might lose his shirt, or worse, his rights, which is problematic.

   As for the term “republic,” it derives from the latin res publica (meaning “public affair”). For the most part, it’s basically the same as a democracy, albeit with one exceptional difference. Whereas a pure democracy makes no provisions or guarantees for the rights of men, a republic does.

   When democracies fail and deny the rights and freedoms of minorities or certain citizens, republics engage their constitutional provisions and declaration of rights to protect innocents from being harmed. An absolute democracy practices unlimited power, but a republic uses law to shield its people from oppression, allowing them to own property, freely speak, and vote.

2. Minimized Kleptocracy – One of the ways that a republic shields its people from oppression is by handcuffing the powers of government. In a pure democracy, bureaucrats can do practically whatever it wants on the grounds that it’s acting in the majority’s interest. Thus, if the government says the majority wants lockdowns, the government locks the nation down; if they say the majority wants a socialist economic system, the government will impose a socialist economic system.

   But a republic makes it so that a government is allowed to act in the majority’s interest, only so long as the action is lawful, for no one, including the President or Prime Minister, is above the law. They are not allowed to steal wealth or inappropriately leverage their position for personal gain. A constitution restricts the government\’s ability to do whatever it wants, whenever it wants, by outlining a framework for acceptable and unacceptable actions. This helps guarantee individual rights like the freedom of speech, freedom of association, and freedom to own property, even if corrupted heads of state want to take those rights away.

3. Accountable Bureaucracy – A republic gives a government and its people two particular guarantees. First, it guarantees a government the stability to pass laws, policies, and reforms. Second, it guarantees citizens the ability to judge those laws, policies, and reforms, at the ballot box.

By setting a stable, clear, predictable, election cycle, republics enable the government to accomplish the work they need to do with a reasonable level of security. Their actions may be unpopular in the moment, but this political apparatus allows them to work without fear of being forcibly removed from office for doing what’s right.

But if those lawmakers do wrong, as they often do wrong, voters have the ability to reflect their displease at the next election. By entrenching a nation’s democratic right in a constitutional code, bureaucracy is forced to give a regular account to its citizens. That citizens are able to vote their conscience without fear of being jailed for expressing their beliefs means they’re able to judge their government’s performance, and then show their judgement at the ballot box.

Finally, even if a bad leader is elected, which happens all too often unfortunately, the republic gridlocks the government and mitigates the damage done to the nation until the country is able to elect a new leader during the next election.

Put simply, the APP is proposing Alberta become a constitutional republic because a republic is the safest, freest, strongest, and best way to protect the Albertan’s rights, freedoms, dignities, and home.

As an independent, non–profit, educational group, the APP does not support or endorse any political parties, but rather, educates Albertans and Canadians on the merits of Alberta independence.

It is almost certain that Canada will try and stop Alberta from separating. Here’s why:

1. Alberta is Canada’s largest provincial economy per-capita. For Canada, losing Alberta means losing $billions worth of economic benefits every year.
2. Geographically, Alberta lies at the heart of Canada’s coast-to-coast corridor. If Alberta becomes an independent nation, $billions worth of goods moving from Vancouver’s port to the east and vice versa could be interrupted.
3. Canada is broken, so Alberta separation makes Ottawa’s frail hold of the country even weaker.

These are just a few of the reasons why Canada will try and stop Alberta from separating. Here are a few tools Ottawa might use to try and achieve their goal:

1. Military: If Alberta proceeds with independence, Canada can send the military into Alberta.
2. Money: If Alberta proceeds with independence, Canada can send Alberta money as a sweetener to stay in the country.
3. Manipulation: Manipulation: “If Alberta proceeds with independence, Canada can simply refuse to hold serious negotiations until momentum for independence simmers.

These are common fears the APP hears regarding Federal interference in Alberta separation. But while these concerns are understandable, the APP is confident they will not defeat Alberta independence for the following reasons:

1. Military
   1. The Supreme Court has ruled that a province has the democratic right to pursue independence through a referendum vote.¹ Everything about the present independence movement is entirely legal.
   2. Contrary to popular belief, Ottawa can’t just send the armed forces into whatever province it wishes. Instead, a written request from the provincial Attorney General is needed to launch Canadian Armed Forces in the province.² No formal request for Alberta’s Attorney General? No Canadian Armed Forces dispatched into Alberta.
   3. Even if it were possible, Canada deploying the military into Alberta would only make Alberta want to separate from Canada more! Using soldiers to suppress a lawful, peaceful process would be politically explosive, risk non-cooperation from provincial institutions (courts, police, public service), and damage Canada’s international standing.
2. Money
   1. Alberta independence is about so much more than money. It’s true that Albertans are tired of paying Ottawa $billions every year, and it’s true that economic advantages are a critical component of Alberta’s desire for independence, but there are various other components Albertans are considering as well.
   2. Fundamentally, Alberta’s grievances are structural. While money is an important component of the conversation, Ottawa controls our resources, infrastructure, markets, and political representation. Even if Ottawa sends Alberta money, those issues still remain.
   3. Money is temporary. Suppose Ottawa writes Alberta a $100 billion cheque to stay in Canada. No doubt, $100 billion is a lot of money, but it won’t last forever. Soon, that money will be gone and Alberta will be stuck trying to navigate the same problematic federal policies.
3. Manipulation
   1. As long as Alberta’s referendum is clear, it will be extremely difficult for Ottawa to manipulate the separation process. Regarding separation, the Supreme Court has ruled how, why, and when, negotiations between Alberta and Ottawa must take place.³
   2. With a clear and unmistakable referendum question, Alberta will finally have the leverage required to force Ottawa to the negotiating table. Canada will have a constitutional requirement to engage in good–faith discussions with Alberta.
   3. The longer Ottawa stalls, the more reason they give Alberta to separate. Not only so, but the longer Canada stalls, the more instability they introduce into Canadian markets, reputation, and relations.

While Ottawa might try to dissuade Alberta from separating, Alberta’s independence movement is committed to doing what’s best for Alberta, not Ottawa.

¹ https://decisions.scc-csc.ca/scc-csc/news/en/item/642/index.do?iframe=true&utm
² https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/n-5/page-39.html?
³ https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/pdf/c-31.8.pdf

If there’s one thing investors hate, it’s uncertainty. Federal bills like C–69 and C–48 devastate Alberta’s economy. Why? Because they drastically decrease investor confidence in Canada’s regulatory process.

No one knows if Ottawa’s going to shut down energy projects today, tomorrow, a year from now, or a decade into the future.

Thus, rather than risking $billions in Canada where the future is uncertain, investors take their capital elsewhere, investing it in stable markets.

That’s the sort of market an independent Alberta needs to be. If Alberta creates a solid, predictable, stable market, it will generate investment and encourage more capital flow into the province. That is why the APP is recommending Alberta take these steps (among others) to immediately stabilize its market post–independence:

1. TRADE ACCESS: Alberta must do everything in its power to guarantee absolute free trade with America, Canada, Mexico, and other nations around the world. While new free–trade treaties are being negotiated and signed between Alberta and partnering countries, Alberta ought to pursue a WTO GATT Article XXIV “interim agreement” with the U.S. This would prevent a “tariff shock” during preliminary discussions.
2. CURRENCY: The question, and necessity, of an Alberta currency is addressed in a separate FAQ. Nevertheless, it is imperative that Alberta readily adopt a new currency that is internationally recognized, tradeable, and predictable.
3. LAW: Existing laws, licenses, and contracts must remain enforced during the separation process. This lowers legal risk and increases political credibility.
4. TRANSPARENCY: Publish a transparent formula and timeline for dividing and delegating federal assets/liabilities, pensions, social programs, energy projects, and other engagements.

If Alberta uses these steps to create a regulatory apparatus with minimal uncertainty and maximum predictability, investment will flow into the province, Albertans will increase their quality of life, and the province will flourish.

The APP, with the help of legal scholars, economists, professors, and other experts, is currently drafting a proposed Alberta constitution. The current draft is being continually refined to make it the best document possible. The moment it is ready for release, the APP will send it to the public and host a constitutional conference to debate the document’s proposals. Stay tuned!

It is important to clarify that the APP is not a political party. While it can advise Albertans and the Alberta government on public policy, it cannot legally pass any policies or enforce them. Therefore, what follows are merely recommendations. It is up to Albertans to ensure they are democratically enforced.

Will Alberta be part of the WEF: No. The APP does not ascribe to the WEF’s values, agenda, or purpose.

Will Alberta be Part of the WHO: No. The APP does not ascribe to the WHO’s values, agenda, or purpose.

Will Alberta be Part of the UN: No. The APP does not ascribe to the UN’s values, agenda, or purpose.

Will Alberta be Part of Other International Organizations: It depends. If the organization in question aligns with an independent Alberta’s values, it may be advantageous to engage with the group. But if the organization in question does not align with Alberta’s values, the APP recommends Alberta not engage them.

Ultimately, it will be up to voters and the government of an independent Alberta to choose what organizations to join or reject. One thing is certain: The APP will keep working as hard as it can to enshrine and protect the rights and freedoms of all Albertans.

1. MORTGAGES/LOANS:

• What Will Happen to My Mortgage? Mortgages, HELOCs, loans, and lines of credit are private contracts. Just as car payments are not erased when you move to a different country, mortgages are not voided by independence. New states almost always adopt a Continuity of Laws Act on Day 1 of their existence. This means all existing laws and private rights – including for mortgages and HELOCs – remained in force.
• What Will Happen to My Lending Institution (Bank)? Most banks that Albertans use, like RBC, CIBC, Scotiabank, TD, and BMO, are Federally regulated institutions. Post–independence, these banks will likely seek authorization to operate in Alberta, and the mortgage lien on your title will remain valid. If you’re already banking with an Alberta Credit Union, the transfer is even smoother.
• What Will Happen to My Deposits? Right now, deposits in federally regulated banks are insured by the CDIC up to $100,000 per depositer, per category. Post–independence, Alberta would create its own ADIC to continue insuring Alberta deposits during transition. Your money will stay safe and secure.

2. JOBS:

• Private Sector Jobs
  • As it is with mortgages and loans, private sector jobs will continue under the continuity of law principle.
  • With increased investment and regulatory certainty, Alberta will create more jobs to give our families a better quality of life.
  • Payroll taxes, such as CPP, federal income tax, and EI that are currently paid to Ottawa, will be reworked for an independent Alberta and paid into Alberta.
  • Businesses may issue updated contracts and agreements according to new statutory references, but your job and pay will not be voided.
• Public Sector Jobs
  • Provincial employees such as teachers, nurses, and Alberta police, will continue working in their present capacity. As far as the individual workers’ contract is concerned, the only thing that changes is the name of the payee on the top of the cheque.
  • Federal employees will have one of two options:
    • Redeployment: You remain a government of Canada employee but are reassigned elsewhere.
    • Transition: Alberta and Ottawa negotiate a federal transfer so that Alberta assumes certain federal services (such as parks, defence, and aviation) and offers present federal employees seniority and benefits.