Imperial Oil CEO Urges Alberta to Reject Separatism

Chief Executive Officer of Imperial Oil Ltd. John Whelan urged Alberta to reject separatism during a conference in Calgary on Tuesday. Whelan stated that a united Canada provides the strongest position to address future challenges and ensures that people, products, energy, and investment can move freely and reliably across the country.

Imperial Oil is the first major energy company in the province to take a firm stance against the separatist movement. This public opposition comes as Alberta residents prepare to vote on whether to hold a referendum on independence. A government-commissioned study recently warned that secession could reduce the province's gross domestic product by between 2.2% and 10% over five years.

Despite his opposition to independence, Whelan affirmed his support for the goal set by Premier Danielle Smith to double oil production within the province.