New poll reveals nearly 20% of Albertans would 'definitely' vote to separate from Canada
Separatism chatter has been growing in Alberta after federal Liberals secured a rare fourth consecutive term, and a new poll shows just how many Albertans would consider voting to separate from Canada.
New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute dived into the support in Alberta and Saskatchewan for their respective province to leave confederation.
The amount in favour of separation is still in the minority, with 36 per cent of respondents in Alberta saying yes — that amount shrinks even more when it comes to how serious the support is, with just 19 per cent saying they would “definitely” vote to leave were a referendum to be held.
A majority of those who voted for the United Conservative Party in Alberta’s last provincial election say they would vote to leave, whether definitely, or leaning that way, while nearly all past Alberta NDP voters say they would vote to stay.
Angus Reid Institute
Angus Reid also asked various questions in a hypothetical referendum. The majority of those in Alberta leaning to vote to leave would be more likely to stay if the federal government built an east-to-west pipeline, removed the emissions cap on oil and gas production, and repealed Bill C-69.
Angus Reid Institute
The data also showed that Indigenous protests based on treaties are unlikely to change the views of those who want to separate. In fact, a majority of those who say they would definitely vote to separate say that major protests from Indigenous groups would make them more likely to want to leave, rather than less.
Among those in Alberta and Saskatchewan who would vote to leave Canada, more than seven-in-10 say they would change their mind on separatism if the Conservative Party of Canada formed government.
Angus Reid Institute
The Angus Reid Institute conducted an online survey from May 6 to 8, 2025, among a randomized sample of 790 Albertan adults and 577 Saskatchewan adults who are members of Angus Reid Forum. The sample was weighted to be representative of adults nationwide according to region, gender, age, household income, and education, based on the Canadian census.