Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is in Toronto this week for the first Canada Investment Summit with plans to get backing for 34 major projects, each worth $200 million or more. But with the referendum nearly a month away, some say that investors may be looking elsewhere for the time being. “Anytime we’re seeing a certain level of uncertainty in the market, and when it comes to investment, investment will go where their dollars are safe,” said Heather Thomson, vice-president of economy and engagement at the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. “When there is political instability or if there is talk of a referendum, that money will stop.” Meanwhile, Yves Giroux, a C.D. Howe Institute fellow, says investors have been looking at polling that suggests more Albertans want to remain in Canada. “Most of the advantages would still be there, at least for the foreseeable future. Oil and gas will remain there,” Giroux told CTV News Edmonton. Jason Vanderheyden, vice-president of government affairs and policy at Deep Sky, is seeking $350 million to build the company’s second carbon capture and sequestration facility in Alberta. “Alberta is top of mind for many of those in the investment community, and we’re seeing a lot of enthusiasm, especially as it relates to the regulatory environment that the province has to offer and the conditions for growing not just our sector but others,” said Vanderheyden. “We’re really encouraged at the very positive and optimistic view that investors have on Alberta specifically.” During CTV Question Period, Smith said she is not worried that the referendum will scare potential investors away. “We will have an answer from Albertans on Oct. 19 and then we will have the next months and years to be able to land some of those decisions and investments,” said Smith. “In the case of Alberta, it’s not a nail-biter.” The Canada Investment Summit ends Tuesday. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Chelan Skulski
