Despite the headlines, the Leger–National Post survey shows that separatist sentiment in Alberta is a minority view, it’s trending downward, and the risks of leaving Canada far outweigh the rewards.
The Big Picture
In May 2024, Leger conducted a survey of 1,001 Albertans for the National Post. The poll asked about support for Alberta separating from Canada. The results? Clear: separatism is not the majority view. While frustration with Ottawa exists, the numbers show Albertans are far more interested in improving Canada than abandoning it.
1. Separatism Is a Minority Position
Only 20% of Albertans said they would support Alberta separating from Canada. A strong 66% opposed separation, with the rest undecided. That means two out of every three Albertans reject the idea outright. The separatist camp is vocal, but it’s small.
2. Support Is Shrinking, Not Growing
The survey also compared current attitudes to earlier spikes of separatist anger. Back in 2019–2020, support for separation briefly climbed above 30% in some polls. Today, it’s down to 20%. That’s a steep drop. The trendline is clear: separatism is cooling off, not heating up.
3. The Risks Outweigh the Rewards
Even among the minority who lean separatist, the survey revealed big doubts:
- Over half of Albertans (54%) said independence would hurt Alberta’s economy.
- Nearly 60% worried about losing access to Canadian programs and services.
- A majority also said Alberta would struggle to be recognized internationally.
In other words, even people flirting with separatism see the risks. Staying in Canada guarantees Alberta a strong economy, a stable currency, and influence in federal decisions. Leaving would mean uncertainty on every front.
Why Canada Wins
So here’s the bottom line: separatism might make noise, but the facts don’t lie. It’s a minority view (20%), it’s shrinking compared to past highs, and it comes with risks Albertans don’t want to take. Canada isn’t perfect, but the overwhelming majority of Albertans know they’re better off shaping the country from within rather than walking away.
#ForeverCanadian:
- Separatist support = 20% (minority)
- Trend = shrinking from 30%+ to 20%
- Risks = economic harm, loss of programs, global uncertainty
Canada is stronger with Alberta, and Alberta is stronger in Canada. That’s the real story behind the numbers.