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Calgary city council makes symbolic vote in support of remaining in Canada
The 14-1 vote follows a report estimating a new country could cost $50 billion to $170 billion over five years, councillors said.
Calgary city council voted 14-1 on Tuesday to affirm the city is a vital part of Alberta and Canada, with Mayor Jeromy Farkas sponsoring the motion as urgent business ahead of an October 19 separation referendum.
Farkas cited University of Calgary School of Public Policy research projecting separation could cost $50 billion to $170 billion over five years, warning that Alberta independence would trigger capital flight and corporate departures from Calgary.
The mayor argued Alberta cannot survive as an independent nation and would likely become the 51st state, stating "I will not accept this future for Calgarians," while Edmonton city council unanimously backed a similar pro-Canada stance in July.
Councillor Mike Jamieson cast the sole dissenting vote, saying the motion divides Calgarians, while Councillor Jennifer Wyness warned separation could create massive budget gaps and drive up taxes for residents.
Farkas hopes Calgary's official unity stance will encourage other municipalities to take positions before October 19, though the Alberta Prosperity Project disputes the economic projections underlying the city's concerns.
It should be noted that one of the four constitutional questions on the October vote will be whether the funds will remain with them, but simply voting "yes" will not change this.
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