Alberta poll shows majority favor staying in Canada

New polling data from the Angus Reid Institute reveals that a majority of Albertans prefer to remain in Canada ahead of the upcoming fall referendum. According to the survey, 61% of respondents believe the province should stay in Canada, while 33% favor proceeding with a future binding referendum on separation.

Research indicates a distinction in motivation among those supporting a future referendum. Approximately two-in-five individuals in the “leave” camp do not necessarily wish to exit the country, but rather intend to use the vote to “send a message to Ottawa” regarding dissatisfaction with federal government policies. When asked a simplified hypothetical question about actual separation, support drops to 30%, while the desire to remain in Canada rises to 65%.

Demographic divides are evident in the results. Support for a path toward separation is highest among men older than 34, whereas 75% of Albertans under the age of 35 favor remaining a province within Canada. Political affiliation also plays a role, with 92% of 2023 NDP voters supporting the decision to remain in Canada.