A new poll shows most Albertans want to stay in Canada as the province prepares for a referendum on separation this October. Premier Danielle Smith recently announced that voters will be asked whether Alberta should remain part of Canada or begin the legal steps toward a future separation vote.
The survey found that 60 per cent of Albertans would vote against the referendum question, while 35 per cent would support it. When asked a simpler question about leaving or staying in Canada, support for separation dropped to 30 per cent, while 67 per cent said they would choose to stay.
More than half of those surveyed also said Smith has handled the issue poorly, including some supporters of her United Conservative Party. Political experts say the wording of the referendum question may confuse voters and could affect the results.
The poll also showed concerns about Smith’s reasons for holding the vote. Many respondents believe she is trying to satisfy separatist groups within her party, while nearly half said she should resign.
The referendum is scheduled for Oct. 19, and voters will decide whether Alberta should move toward a binding separation referendum in the future.
