Alberta Independence: Many Leaners, but Few Committed Separatists

Among independence supporters, half would view joining the United States favourably.

The Angus Reid Institute (ARI) surveyed Albertans on the sensitive question of a potential referendum on Alberta independence. While the survey explores several motivations behind support for or opposition to separation, the top-line findings suggest that although a sizeable minority expresses openness to the idea, firmly committed separatists remain relatively few.

The results also reveal a sharp partisan divide, one that is difficult to ignore when interpreting the broader political landscape: Virtually all of those who would vote in favour of Alberta independence support the Conservatives — both provincially and federally.

Moreover, about half of those who support Alberta separation from Canada would welcome U.S. annexation.

Let’s deconstruct the top-line numbers and dig in.