Albertans mostly say they would stay in Canada, poll suggests

An Angus Reid Institute online poll of 979 Albertans (Feb. 2–6) found 65% would vote or lean toward voting to stay in Canada, 29% would vote or lean toward leaving, and 5% were unsure.

Petition signings and town halls have renewed public focus on Alberta separation, but a recent poll suggests most residents still prefer to remain in Canada. The Angus Reid Institute conducted an online survey of 979 Albertans from Feb. 2 to 6. The poll measured definite and leaning intentions in the event of a referendum on separation. The result is being discussed alongside active signature drives for an independence petition and a separate petition to keep Alberta in Canada. Key poll findings: - 65% of respondents said they would either vote to stay in Canada or lean toward voting to stay, while 29% said they would vote or lean toward voting to leave; 5% were unsure. - Of those favouring staying, 57% said they would definitely vote to stay and 8% said they would lean that way; of those favouring leaving, 8% said they would definitely vote to leave and 21% said they would lean that way. - Poll respondents who identify as Alberta NDP voters were reported as 93% in favour of remaining in Canada, while those who identify as United Conservative Party (UCP) voters showed more division. - Among self-identified UCP voters, 16% said they would definitely vote to leave, 41% said they lean toward leaving, and 26% said they would definitely vote to stay. - If Alberta were to leave Confederation, 74% of respondents said they would move to another Canadian province or territory, while 23% said they would stay in an independent Alberta. - The Alberta Prosperity Project’s petition needs close to 177,000–178,000 verified signatures by May 2 to trigger a referendum; separate signature efforts to keep Alberta in Canada were previously verified with over 400,000 signatures. Summary: The poll indicates a clear majority of Albertans currently favour remaining in Canada, though a notable group that leans toward leaving could be decisive in a referendum. The independence petition organizer has said a referendum will be pursued if the signature threshold is met; the petition needs roughly 177,000–178,000 signatures by May 2 to trigger that process. Undetermined at this time whether the petition will reach the threshold.