‘Hardly surprising’ many Alberta business leaders staying mum on separation: expert

Corporate leadership expert Richard Leblanc commented that it is hardly surprising many Alberta business leaders remain silent on the upcoming provincial referendum. The vote includes 10 questions, with one on whether Alberta should remain in Canada or pursue a binding separation referendum, five on immigration, and four on constitutional matters.

Leblanc explained that there is a tradition in Canada for CEOs to avoid political stances to prevent alienating shareholders or employees. However, he noted that there might be situations where a company's board of directors believes a CEO should speak out on an issue affecting the business, such as Alberta potentially separating from Canada.

Out of over 70 signatories to an open letter from the Calgary Chamber of Commerce warning of economic consequences of separation, only a few top executives have publicly expressed their views. Imperial Oil's John Whelan supported Alberta and Canada staying together, while Atco Ltd.'s Nancy Southern warned of potential disruptions from a split.

Leblanc stated that the majority of CEOs are unlikely to speak up about a political matter due to the potential loss outweighing the benefits of doing so. Some corporations have former political figures, such as prime ministers, premiers, or cabinet ministers, on their boards, who can advise on when and how to engage in political discussions. Atco's board includes former Alberta premier Jason Kenney, a strong supporter of Alberta remaining in Confederation, as well as former federal cabinet minister Rona Ambrose.