It is the first major energy company to come out against separation ahead of Alberta’s Oct. 19 vote on independence. “As a national company, we believe a united Canada is the strongest position we can take to face the challenges and opportunities ahead,” CEO John Whelan said at a Calgary conference Tuesday. “Canada and Alberta work best when people, products, energy and investment can move freely and reliably across the country.” (Bloomberg)

Talking point: While some of the province’s business lobby groups have issued statements against secession, few Alberta oil executives have publicly weighed into the debate on sovereignty—although Cenovus Energy CEO Jon McKenzie said last June that Alberta’s secessionist movement “goes away” if Western Canada’s grievances are addressed. Fewer still have taken a side. Executives and leaders who have spoken to The Logic say there are a number of reasons for the silence, including skepticism that separation poses much of a risk to begin with, reluctance to expose themselves or their companies to political backlash—including from their own employees—or even a strategic calculation that a strong separatist vote could provide leverage with Ottawa.

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