Edmonton, AB – A new poll shows 51% of Albertans want their government to create a plan for how Alberta could become its own country. This considerable demand signals a rising wave of support for sovereignty. Many Albertans feel frustrated with Canada’s federal government and want options for a future free from Ottawa’s control.
The poll, run by Trend Research for the Alberta government, asked a straightforward question: “Do you think the Alberta government should or should not prepare a detailed plan for how Alberta could become its own independent country? The plan would be for Albertans to consider and vote on in a referendum.” Results show 51% say “yes,” 45% say “no,” and 4% are unsure.
Another question asked if people would back a referendum on independence if Ottawa refuses to negotiate a fair deal. After removing undecided voters, 45% supported a referendum, while 55% opposed it, according to the Calgary Herald. This shows a strong interest in exploring separation, even if full independence isn’t yet the majority view.
Strong desire for independence from those on the right
For those open to separation, the desire is intense. A May 9, 2025, Angus Reid poll found 36% of Albertans would vote or lean toward leaving Canada. Among United Conservative Party (UCP) supporters, this jumps to 65%, though given Angus Reid’s pro-Liberal bias, it may be higher than that. “Perhaps when Danielle wakes up and realizes that her base is almost unanimous behind the idea of Alberta independence, she might have to get a different idea on the timing,” said Jeffrey Rath, a lawyer for the Alberta Prosperity Project (APP), at a May 12 news conference.
The APP has 240,000 supporters and aims for 600,000 by June, pushing for a referendum as soon as October 2025.
Many Albertans feel ignored by Canada. Only 24% think the rest of the country respects their province, compared to 52% nationally, per an Angus Reid poll from April 9, 2025. This anger grew after Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government won re-election on April 28, 2025. Albertans see federal policies as hurting their oil and gas industry, a key economic driver.
Albertans are clearly fed up.
Premier Danielle Smith has demanded changes from Ottawa, including:
- New pipelines to export Alberta’s oil and gas.
- Equal federal funding per person, like Quebec or Ontario gets.
- No federal taxes or limits on Alberta’s resources without the province’s approval.
The poll shows 87% of Albertans back more pipeline access. If Ottawa ignores these demands within six months, 38% say they’d be more likely to support separation.
Smith is working to give Alberta more power. “Everything I do is changing Alberta’s relationship with Ottawa,” she said on May 4, while stressing respect for treaty rights. Her new law, Bill 54, makes it easier for citizens to call a referendum by lowering the required signatures to only 177,000 eligible voters.
The sense of betrayal runs deep. “I thought it was a beautiful, fantastic country. But now I’m so disappointed. I’m literally crushed that we’ll never be represented in this country,” said Katheryn Speck, who joined hundreds at a May 3 rally for independence at the Alberta Legislature.
Supporters argue Alberta gives far more to Canada than it gets back. The province has sent hundreds of billions of dollars to the federal government over decades, yet many feel they see little in return. “No more federal income tax, no more GST, no more carbon tax,” Rath told CityNews on April 8, painting a picture of a thriving, independent Alberta.
Not everyone agrees. Some Indigenous leaders, like Chief Billy-Joe Tuccaro, call Bill 54 “garbage” and worry about treaty rights, though the newest changes aim to preserve Indigenous rights. Critics, including city mayors, warn a referendum could hurt Alberta’s economy. Still, the push for sovereignty is gaining steam. If a referendum wins a clear majority, Canada’s Clarity Act allows talks for independence, while honouring Indigenous agreements.
Alberta is at a turning point. The call for a separation plan shows a considerable demand for control over the province’s future. For many, it’s not just about leaving Canada – it’s about building an Alberta that answers to its people, not Ottawa.
