A recent poll conducted by Research Co. indicates that with less than 50 days remaining until the upcoming referendum in October, the majority of Albertans continue to show strong support for staying within Canada. According to the poll conducted in August, 74% of respondents expressed their preference for Alberta to remain part of Canada, while 22% favored the idea of initiating the legal procedures for a second referendum on separation.
Among different age groups, the highest support for a binding referendum was observed among individuals aged 35 to 54, with 27% in favor. Older demographics, aged 55 and above, showed 20% support for another referendum, while 18% of individuals aged 18 to 34 agreed with the notion.
The survey, which included 750 likely voters in Alberta, was conducted online by Research Co. between August 24 and 26. The results have a margin of error of +/- 3.6 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Mario Canseco, the president of Research Co., noted that there are very few undecided voters as the referendum approaches. Historically, support for separation in Alberta has ranged between 25% and 30%. Another poll in April, conducted by Janet Brown Opinion Research for CBC News, revealed that 27% of respondents were in favor of separation, while 67% opposed it.
As the momentum builds towards the October 19 referendum, both federalist and separatist groups have intensified their efforts to mobilize voters. However, according to Canseco, there is a minimal level of undecided voters regarding the separation question, with only 4% expressing uncertainty.
Apart from the separation issue, the upcoming referendum includes questions related to immigration and constitutional reforms. The poll findings suggest that a majority of likely voters, ranging from 58% to 66%, support the immigration-related questions. The proposal garnering the most support is the requirement for proof of citizenship when voting, with 66% approval.
On the other hand, public support for the four questions concerning constitutional reform was lower, ranging from 39% to 46%. Tanya Clemens, co-leader of the Alberta independence group Let Alberta Decide, highlighted the need for more education on the implications of voting for independence versus supporting constitutional changes.
Overall, the poll results indicate that voter turnout will play a crucial role in determining the referendum’s validity as a true reflection of public sentiment.
