Canmore Council Unanimously Backs Canadian Unity, Warns Of Risks Of Alberta Separation.

Canmore town council has unanimously passed a resolution supporting a united Canada, warning that efforts to separate Alberta from the country could create significant economic uncertainty for municipalities, businesses and residents.

The resolution, introduced by Mayor Sean Krausert at council's Oct. 6 meeting, calls on the Alberta government to pursue economic and intergovernmental solutions that strengthen the province's prosperity and stability within Canada.

Krausert said the debate over Alberta's future has consequences for communities like Canmore, where local governments depend on stable relationships with provincial and federal authorities.

"I think that actions that would direct moving towards a referendum will cause immense distraction at the very least," Krausert told council, adding that economic uncertainty could divert attention from the everyday needs of residents.

The resolution states that any proposal for Alberta to separate from Canada would create significant economic, legal and governance uncertainty, potentially affecting municipal services, businesses and long-term planning.

Krausert said he had been considering bringing forward such a resolution for several months. He ultimately adopted wording similar to a resolution passed by Strathcona County, noting that Calgary and other Alberta municipalities have also addressed the issue.

He emphasized that the motion was not intended to tell Albertans how to vote or criticize those who support separation.

"It's not calling anyone out for their opinions. It's not casting blame on another level of government for actions being taken," Krausert said. "It's really about stating these are conditions that are important to municipalities."

Councillors raised concerns about what separation could mean for Canmore's economy, particularly its tourism industry.

Coun. Tanya Foubert warned that the town's economic future could be significantly affected if Alberta became an independent country, potentially turning Canmore into a border community.

"We are right now a billion dollar economy. We will not be that again if we're a border town," Foubert said.

Other councillors pointed to potential consequences for businesses, residents and the region's natural environment.

Coun. Jeff Mah said the uncertainty surrounding separation could distract governments from addressing more immediate challenges.

"I feel a lot of this separation rhetoric, all it does is marching us closer towards an existential crisis and instability," Mah said.

The discussion also touched on whether municipal governments should take positions on issues traditionally handled by provincial and federal governments.

Coun. Rob Murray acknowledged that reasonable questions had been raised about whether such a resolution falls within municipal jurisdiction, but argued the potential consequences made it appropriate for Canmore to speak out.

Krausert agreed, describing the circumstances as exceptional.

He pointed to Canmore's tourism industry, which he valued at approximately $1 billion, and the community's existing housing, affordability and staffing pressures.

"Things that would encourage uncertainty will only hurt the town and exacerbate the issues that we're all already trying to conquer," he said.

Despite the concerns raised, councillors emphasized that residents should research the issue and form their own opinions.

The resolution passed unanimously.

Krausert will now forward it to several provincial and federal officials, including the prime minister, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, the local MP and MLA, and municipal organizations across Canada.

The resolution does not change provincial policy, but formally establishes Canmore council's position on Canadian unity as debate over Alberta's political future continues.