Alberta's Illusion of Independence Alberta separatists often tout the supposed economic benefits of independence from Canada, citing the potential for strengthened trade bonds with the United States.
However, this simplistic view glosses over the complexities of pipeline infrastructure and trade agreements. Most of Alberta's oil exports are piped through British Columbia and Manitoba before reaching the US market.
This means that Alberta's biggest economic driver would rely on products transiting through a third country to its biggest customer – Canada, which it just exited from.