A report commissioned by the Alberta government estimates that separating from Canada and assuming Ottawa’s responsibilities would cost the province an extra $60-billion per year, cost up to $170-billion over the first five years and lead to significant economic disruption.

The province on Wednesday published the report, written by a panel of experts at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy.

It is the first time the Alberta government has commissioned a report on the financial implications of secession. In less than five weeks, on Oct. 19, Albertans will vote on whether to remain in Canada or lay the legal groundwork for a second, binding secession referendum.