// BBC BUSINESS NEWS — FINANZA
What independence could mean for oil-rich Alberta's economy
Albertans will vote on 19 October whether to hold an independence referendum in the future
For Alberta independence supporter Keith Wilson, the western Canadian province is in a league of its own.
With its wealth of rich oil and gas reserves, a significant agricultural sector and a young and skilled workforce, its economy is one to be reckoned with, says Wilson.
The province will hold a referendum on 19 October, giving residents two options: vote to stay in Canada, or vote to move ahead with a formal binding referendum on independence at a later date.
The vote, despite not being a cut and dry "stay or leave", still stands to be among the most consequential in recent Canadian history, and a significant test of national unity.
One key issue has become central to the debate: Would Alberta be richer if it were to become an independent country?
"Alberta's economy is unique. is fundamentally different than the rest of Canada's - we have the people, the institutions, the infrastructure to excel," he says.
Alberta separatists have long argued that the province has been short-changed by being part of Canada, and that more of the oil and gas wealth would be kept within its borders instead of being shared with Ottawa, delivering it tens of billions in savings.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who opposes independence, predicts a more sober outcome. She says the province could risk paying C$400bn ($283bn; £213bn) in transition costs alone, while bleeding billions more in lost investments and trade due to the political upheaval.
A report commissioned, external by her government released earlier this month calculated the costs of separation as between C$50bn and C$170bn over five years - and a highly unpredictable outlook over the long term.