How worried are Canadians about the threat of Separation from Alberta and Quebec

May 28, 2026

Recent court decisions in Alberta have reinforced Indigenous claims that governments have a duty to consult on issues related to provincial sovereignty and separation, adding a significant new dimension to the debate that is also expected to feature in the October Quebec election campaign. Against this backdrop, the latest Leger survey conducted for the Association for Canadian Studies suggests that concern over the threat of separation has somewhat diminished compared to earlier polling, although comparisons should be made cautiously because the wording of the questions differed. The survey nevertheless indicates that Canadians continue to regard the prospect of Alberta separation as a more immediate concern than Quebec separation, with over one in four worried about the prospect of Alberta separation and less than one in five in the case of Quebec. Concern remains especially pronounced in Alberta itself and the fear is somewhat higher among Indigenous respondents, while Quebecers are more inclined than other Canadians to view the threat of Quebec separation with more concern. The finding arises from a survey of Canadians conducted by the firm Leger for the Association for Canadian Studies between May 15 and 17, 2026. The survey was conducted over the period 1511 respondents in Canada. A margin of error cannot be associated with a non-probability sample in a panel survey for comparison purposes. A probability sample of 1511 respondents would have a margin of error of ±2.5%, 19 times out of 20. The comparative survey was conducted one year earlier over the period May 1-3, 2025 with1626 respondents in Canada. A margin of error cannot be associated with a non-probability sample in a panel survey for comparison purposes. A probability sample of 1626 respondents would have a margin of error of ±2.5%, 19 times out of 20.