Farkas files motion asking Calgary council to affirm city’s place in Alberta and Canada

Mayor Jeromy Farkas, joined by Ward 3 Coun. Andrew Yule, is moving ahead with a formal council vote on Alberta’s separation debate. Their notice of motion asks council to resolve that “City Council affirms Calgary’s place as a vital part of Alberta and Canada.” The accompanying rationale argues that potential separation has direct municipal consequences, pointing to concerns raised by business and non-profit organizations, recent University of Calgary research on the possible economic costs of independence, and polling cited in the motion showing most Calgarians want Alberta to remain in Canada. The motion also invokes council’s responsibilities under Alberta’s Municipal Government Act to consider Calgary’s economic development, services and the overall welfare of the municipality.

The motion specifically highlights Calgary’s dependence on federal funding for housing, public transit, infrastructure and other municipal priorities, arguing that separation could place both existing programs and future federal investment at risk. It also says uncertainty over Alberta’s constitutional future could affect municipal finances, private investment and council’s ability to deliver its 2027–2030 strategic priorities. The proposal stops short of authorizing a taxpayer-funded referendum campaign; instead, it asks councillors to put the City itself on record. Farkas had said last week that he wanted council to take a formal position after a University of Calgary School of Public Policy report estimated that establishing an independent Alberta could cost between $50 billion and $170 billion during the first five years.

The vote would bring to council a debate that has already divided members over whether a provincial constitutional question belongs on the municipal agenda. Coun. Kim Tyers previously said she personally supports Alberta remaining in Canada but opposed calling a special council meeting on the issue, arguing that special meetings should be reserved for urgent municipal matters. The provincial referendum is scheduled for Oct. 19, with Question 10 asking voters to choose between Alberta remaining a province of Canada or directing the provincial government to begin the constitutional process toward a later binding referendum on separation.