Majority of Canadians Call Alberta Separatists’ Actions Treasonous

An overwhelming majority of Canadians view recent actions by separatist leaders in Alberta as treasonous, according to a new poll conducted by Canada Pulse Insights. The survey revealed that 71% of Canadians agree with British Columbia Premier David Eby who stated, “to go to a foreign country and to ask for assistance in breaking up Canada… is treason.” This sentiment comes on the heels of reports that members of the Alberta Prosperity Project, a group advocating for Alberta’s independence, have met with U.S. officials in Washington on three occasions since last spring.

The Alberta Prosperity Project is reportedly seeking a US$500 billion line of credit to facilitate its agenda. John Wright, CEO of Canada Pulse Insights, expressed that Canadians largely reject the idea of soliciting foreign help to disrupt the nation’s unity. In a recent interview, he noted, “Overall Canadians treat appeals to foreign governments for help in breaking up the country as beyond the pale.”

Polling data indicates regional differences in opinion. In Saskatchewan and Manitoba, a significant 82% of respondents agreed with Eby’s statement, followed closely by 78% in Atlantic Canada and 77% in Ontario. Conversely, only 56% of Albertans supported this view, suggesting a divide in sentiment regarding separatism within the province.

The age and income demographics reveal that Canadians aged 65 and older were particularly inclined to agree with Eby, at 79% . Additionally, those earning under $99,000 annually showed strong support for the assertion, with 74% in agreement. Nationally, 29% of participants disagreed with the characterization of the separatists’ actions as treasonous, with higher disagreement rates found in Alberta (44%), Quebec (37%), and British Columbia (25%).

In a broader context, a significant 81% of Canadians concurred with Eby’s assertion that it is inappropriate to seek assistance from foreign powers to weaken Canada. British Columbians led the way in support of this view at 86% , followed by 83% in Ontario and Atlantic Canada. Canadians over 54 years old and women were the most supportive demographic groups, with 86% and 82% agreement, respectively.

Despite the general consensus against seeking foreign aid, there is some dissent in Alberta. Wright noted that approximately a third of respondents in the province push back against the idea that such actions should be deemed treasonous. “I don’t know whether or not that means we have a third of the people who are so aggrieved that if there were a referendum they would come forward and vote in that way,” he remarked.

The poll also addressed statements made by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who claimed that labeling discussions about Alberta’s independence as treason is a “desperate attempt to chill free speech.” Nationally, more than half of those surveyed, specifically 53% , disagreed with Smith’s assertion, particularly in Ontario (58%) and British Columbia (57%). Conversely, 47% agreed with her perspective, especially among those in Alberta (55%).

Wright highlighted that there exists a level of sympathy among Canadians for the grievances expressed by some Albertans. “Canadians expect leaders to address the underlying grievances, not just condemn the most extreme expressions,” he said.

Furthermore, 59% of Canadians agreed with Smith’s statement that she would not demonize or marginalize those with legitimate grievances. This perspective was especially prevalent among younger Canadians aged 18 to 34, with 65% supporting her view.

On a different note, a substantial 72% of Canadians expressed approval for Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding his efforts to unify the country. Notably, Quebecers (75%) and residents of British Columbia (73%) were particularly supportive of his approach. Only 28% disagreed with this sentiment.

The poll was conducted online from January 29 to February 2 among 1,510 Canadian adults. The results were weighted according to census benchmarks, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

As tensions over Alberta’s separatist movements continue, the findings of this poll underscore a significant national sentiment against seeking foreign assistance to alter the fabric of Canada.