A recent survey by Abacus Data indicates that the majority of Albertans are looking to move past the ongoing debate on separating from Canada, despite expectations that the issue will persist for a generation or more following the upcoming referendum. The survey revealed that 61% of respondents anticipate future votes on Alberta’s separation, even if most choose to remain part of Canada in the upcoming referendum, indicating that only 14% believe the matter will be resolved for a significant period.
Moreover, the survey highlighted that 67% of participants expressed a preference for the provincial government to prioritize pressing everyday concerns such as healthcare, affordability, and employment, while 22% advocated for greater provincial autonomy. Abacus Data’s poll, conducted from October 7 to 13 with 1,021 Alberta voters, also underscored a lack of optimism regarding the reconciliation of opposing views on separation post-referendum, with only 32% expecting disagreements to be overcome.
Robson Fletcher, an Abacus Data strategist, emphasized the enduring nature of the separation debate, noting the entrenched positions of Albertans and the difficulty in reconciling opposing viewpoints. Despite Premier Danielle Smith indicating a halt to future separatist questions if Albertans vote to remain in Canada, leaders like Keith Wilson from Let Alberta Decide foresee growing support for an independent Alberta regardless of the referendum outcome.
Policy analyst Lori Williams highlighted the potential for future referendum questions under the province’s Citizen Initiative Act, suggesting that the issue might resurface in the future. While most respondents expressed trust in Elections Alberta’s ability to conduct a fair ballot count, only 40% believed that the final referendum result would be respected by both sides of the debate, reflecting the lingering divisions within Alberta’s populace.
