Calgary 
A new survey from the Angus Reid Institute offers a clearer picture of where Albertans stand as the province moves toward an October referendum on separation.
Credit: Alberta Newsroom
Research from the Angus Reid Institute finds 60 per cent would vote against beginning the legal process toward separation in the Oct. 19 vote, while 35 per cent would support it.
The question “Should Alberta remain a province of Canada or should the Government of Alberta commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada?” itself appears to be a sticking point. The 37-word wording, introduced by Premier Danielle Smith and her United Conservative Party government, is seen as confusing by 51 per cent of respondents. When the issue is simplified to a direct choice, stay or leave, support for remaining in Canada rises to 67 per cent, while 30 per cent favour leaving.
Angus Reid Institute
The divide shifts depending on who is asked. Edmonton shows the strongest support for staying, with 73 per cent opposed to starting the process. Rural Alberta is split evenly at 48 per cent on each side. Political lines are sharper. Ninety per cent of Alberta New Democratic Party supporters would vote to stay, while UCP voters lean the other way, backing the process 64 to 30.
Credit: Angus Reid Institute
Smith’s handling of the issue is drawing criticism. A majority, 56 per cent, say she has managed it poorly, including 28 per cent of her own past voters. At the same time, 58 per cent of Albertans believe the referendum was called mainly to address pressure from separatists within her party, though most UCP voters reject that view.
There is also doubt about what happens after the vote. Sixty-nine per cent say separatist supporters would not accept a No result if that is the outcome.
The survey was conducted online between May 22 and 24, sampling 800 adults across Alberta.
