Internal documents show why Ottawa is worried about the Alberta referendum, even if the province votes to stay

Internal federal documents offer insights into how Ottawa is assessing the economic fallout from the possibility of Alberta separating from Canada and becoming an independent state.

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Alberta separatists rally outside the offices of Elections Alberta in May. Documents obtained by CBC News show the potential risks that the federal government is evaluating ahead of this month's referendum. (Todd Korol/ Reuters)

Internal federal documents offer insights into how Ottawa is assessing the economic fallout from the possibility of Alberta separating from Canada and becoming an independent state.

The documents from Finance Canada and the Justice Department also shed light on the consequences being considered from the uncertainty caused by Alberta separatism.

Finance Canada briefing notes, released to CBC News through access to information legislation, detail the federal government has been quietly studying the impact of a possible $18-billion fiscal shock, corporate head office flight and a mass exodus of Albertans to neighbouring provinces if Alberta exits the federation.

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