As Alberta’s sovereignty and separation debate continues, new Leger data shows a clear divide between attention and support. Albertans are following the conversation closely, but most still want the province to remain part of Canada.
Key Highlights
- 73% of Albertans say Alberta should remain part of Canada, while 15% say it should become an independent country.
- 73% are following discussions about Alberta sovereignty and separation very or somewhat closely.
- 57% view Alberta separation as a very or somewhat serious political movement.
- In a potential referendum framing, 68% say Alberta should remain a province of Canada, while 24% support beginning the legal process toward a binding separation referendum.
- 56% believe the referendum and ongoing separation discussions will have a negative impact on Alberta’s economy.
Albertans Are Tuned In, But Not Sold
The separation conversation is getting attention across the province. Nearly three-quarters of Albertans say they are following recent discussions about Alberta sovereignty and separation very or somewhat closely, and 68% say they understand very or fairly well what Alberta separating from Canada would practically involve.
But attention does not necessarily translate into support. Most Albertans continue to favour remaining in Canada, with support for independence at 15% and support for joining the United States at 6%. These findings build on Leger’s recent tracking of Alberta politics and separation tensions, as well as its broader research on trust in government and provincial sovereignty. For added legal context, Canada’s framework around provincial secession has also been shaped by the Supreme Court of Canada’s Quebec Secession Reference and the federal Clarity Act.
Economic Concerns Are Weighing on the Debate
Beyond questions of identity and governance, Albertans are also considering what the debate could mean for the province’s economy. A majority believe the referendum and ongoing discussions about separation will have a negative impact on Alberta’s economy, while fewer than one-quarter expect a positive impact.
The same caution appears around major energy infrastructure projects. Albertans are more likely to say the debate will hurt, rather than help, Alberta’s ability to get major projects such as pipelines approved and built. In other words, while the separation debate may be highly visible, many Albertans see real economic and political risks attached to it.
Want to better understand what British Columbians are thinking? Explore Leger’s latest polling and public opinion research for insights into the issues shaping communities across Canada.
Methodology
This Leger survey was conducted online among 1,014 Alberta residents aged 18 or older from May 29 to June 1, 2026. Results were weighted by age, gender, region, and education to ensure a representative sample of Alberta’s population. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size yields a margin of error no greater than ±3.1%, 19 times out of 20.
