A recent poll indicates that with less than 50 days until the upcoming October referendum, a majority of Albertans are firm in their stance regarding the idea of separating from Canada. The Research Co. poll conducted in August revealed that 74% of respondents are in favor of Alberta staying within Canada, while 22% support the Government of Alberta initiating the legal process for a second referendum on leaving the country.
Among different age groups, the highest support for a binding referendum was seen among Albertans aged 35 to 54, at 27%. Meanwhile, 20% of those aged 55 and older and 18% of individuals aged 18 to 34 expressed support for another referendum.
Various public opinion surveys have consistently shown that the majority of Albertans prefer remaining part of Canada. Mario Canseco, the president of the Vancouver-based polling firm, noted that people seem resolute in their positions as the referendum approaches and that the pro-separation side faces challenges in gaining traction.
The poll, which surveyed 750 likely voters in Alberta between August 24 and 26, revealed these findings. Canseco, who has been tracking opinions on separation annually, mentioned that typically around 25 to 30% of respondents express interest in secession.
In addition to the separation question, the October referendum includes inquiries on immigration and constitutional reform. The poll indicated that a majority of likely voters, ranging from 58% to 66%, are inclined to vote “yes” on the immigration-related questions. The proposal garnering the most support is the requirement of citizenship proof for voting, with 66% backing it.
Conversely, support for the constitutional reform questions was lower, ranging from 39% to 46%. Tanya Clemens of the Alberta independence group Let Alberta Decide highlighted the gap in understanding between support for constitutional reforms and the separation question, emphasizing the need for more education on the implications of voting for independence.
As the referendum date nears, efforts by federalist and separatist groups to mobilize voters have intensified. However, pollsters like Canseco have observed minimal undecided voters, with only 4% expressing uncertainty on the separation question and anticipate a decline in support for the additional ballot questions as voters become more informed.