Brexit scholar sees parallels as Alberta approaches referendum

Brexit researcher Ian Cooper visited a pro-independence town hall in Rimbey, central Alberta, in August.

Cooper, who grew up in Alberta, works at Dublin City University’s Brexit Institute and studies the effects of Britain leaving the European Union.

He sees similarities between Alberta’s debate and Britain’s Brexit campaign, including promises that independence would bring benefits without serious costs.

Cooper said the difficulties of Brexit became clearer only after Britain voted to leave the EU.

Alberta voters will choose on Oct.

19 whether to stay in Canada or hold a second binding referendum on separation.

Alberta Prosperity Project chief executive Mitch Sylvestre said he does not see the Brexit vote as a useful comparison, arguing the province has resources and can be self-sufficient.

The cost estimates for creating an independent Alberta differ sharply, ranging from $5 billion in one-time expenses from a pro-independence group to $50 billion to $170 billion over five years in a University of Calgary estimate.

Those estimates concern the cost of establishing a new country, and the university said the long-term costs would be highly unpredictable.