As referendum looms, 70% of Albertans want province to remain in Canada

In the weeks leading up to Alberta's referendum on October 19, an Ipsos poll conducted online interviews with 1,500 Canadian adults, including 600 Albertans, found that 70% of Albertans plan to vote for the province to remain a part of Canada. This is a slight decrease of two percentage points from a similar poll conducted between May 28 and June 1.

The poll revealed that support for remaining in Canada was highest among men (25%), the Gen Z demographic (28%), and those living outside of Calgary and Edmonton (28%). Gregory Jack, senior vice-president at Ipsos Public Affairs, suggested that it is not surprising that rural, older, and male Albertans are more likely to favor leaving the province.

The poll also found that 76% of Albertans are aware that there are multiple questions in the upcoming referendum, and 62% plan to vote on all 10 questions. The referendum, announced on February 19, initially contained nine questions related to immigration and constitutional reform, and later added a 10th question about Alberta separatism.

Both sides are expected to mobilize their supporters ahead of the vote, as a large number of people appear to have made up their minds on the issue.