Alberta and Western Secession, Similar to Québec's 1976-1995 Surge, Should Not be Underestimated
Support for Alberta separatism fast approaching levels of 1980s Quebec, study shows
A new Aristotle Foundation study indicates Western separatist support mirrors Québec’s independence surge in the 1980s.
Authors Mark Milke and Ven Venkatachalam noted this trend could climax, similar to Québec's 1995 referendum, where 49.4% voted for separation.
Separate polls in late April and early May found 34% and 36.5% of Albertans, respectively, support secession. These figures may be a baseline, with potential for further increases.
Western separation, similar to Québec's 1976-1995 separatist surge, should not be underestimated, according to the authors.
The separatist Parti Québécois won the 1976 Quebec election with just over 41% of the vote. In the 1980 Quebec referendum, 40% voted for separatists.
The study suggests Western support may grow if pro-Quebec policies are implemented, given the Bloc Québécois's 22-seat shift in the House's power balance.
"An example is what appears to be a potential…