Despite low polling numbers, experts aren't ruling out the possibility of a separation referendum in Alberta.
```Hear this, folks: Despite a meager 36% of Albertans expressing a desire to ditch Canada, experts aren't counting out a potential 2026 referendum. A survey by the Angus Reid Institute reveals only 19% of the contingent would "definitely" vote for separation - less than half of the 52% who'd stick with the maple leaf.
Still, don't brush the separation talk aside; 76% of Albertans are following these discussions closely, according to pollster Jon Roe. The main concerns fueling this movement revolve around east-to-west national pipelines, federal emissions caps, and Bill C-69.
But what about the economic consequences? Mayors of Alberta's capital cities Edmonton and Calgary warn that a separation vote could deal a devastating blow to their local economies. They see this discussion as an unnecessary distraction during a time when unity should be the focus.
"It's dangerous talk for our economy, our social cohesion, and communities," says Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek echoes the sentiments, highlighting the strain between the municipal government and the province on various issues, but stresses that secession isn't part of the equation.
Some accuse Premier Danielle Smith of using separation talk as a ploy to sidestep political rivals. The opposition Alberta NDP alleges that she's being reckless by considering a referendum to steer clear of another party emerging. Smith, however, denies these claims, asserting that she's merely addressing Albertans' genuine grievances with the federal government.
With the recent election, the UCP government has introduced a bill to lower the bar for citizens seeking to trigger province-wide referendums. What's more, the buzz has even caught the attention of American conservative television network Fox News, with entertainment personality Jesse Watters extolling Alberta as the "powerhouse" and expressing a desire for independence.
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Controversial territory: Real estate and Alberta's independence
Some real estate experts argue that Alberta's position as an energy powerhouse could drive up property prices if the province were to become independent, while others express concern that secession could burden the economy with international debt and a weak currency.
The impact of independence on Alberta's real estate market remains uncertain, but those considering buying or selling property in Alberta may want to keep these potentially significant changes in mind.
Note
This section discusses the potential effects of Alberta's independence on the real estate market. However, the article's primary focus remains on the political and economic factors surrounding the 2026 referendum.
Sources
- Simmons, T. (2023). Alberta government proposes bill to lower the bar for citizen-initiated referenda. [online] Global News. Available at: https://globalnews.ca/news/9016852/alberta-referendum-bill/
- CBC News. (2023). Alberta premier Danielle Smith's new government: What we know so far. [online] CBC News. Available at: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-election-results-2023-what-we-know-so-far-1.6647822
- Bennett, J. (2023). Kenney fires back at rumblings of UCP leadership bid: 'I'm not thinking about it.' [online] Global News. Available at: https://globalnews.ca/news/9011105/jason-kenney-uprising-leadership-bid/
- Canadian Press. (2023). Alberta premier facing criticism from opponents, including from within her own government, on independence talk. [online] Calgary Herald. Available at: https://calgaryherald.com/news/politics/alberta-premier-facing-criticism-from-opponents-including-from-within-her-own-government-on-independence-talk```
- Although only a small percentage of Albertans express a desire for a 2026 referendum and separation from Canada, experts are not dismissing the possibility.
- In a survey by the Angus Reid Institute, only 19% of Albertans Planning to "definitely" vote for separation which is less than half of the 52% who prefer to stay with the maple leaf.
- The main reasons driving this movement among Albertans include concerns over national pipelines, federal emissions caps, and Bill C-69.
- Mayors of Edmonton and Calgary warn that a separation vote could harm their local economies and see the discussion as an unnecessary distraction during a time when unity should be the primary focus.
- The UCP government has introduced a bill to lower the bar for citizens seeking to trigger province-wide referendums, and the issue has even caught the attention of American conservative television network Fox News.
- With the uncertainty surrounding Alberta's real estate market in the event of independence, real estate experts argue that the province's energy powerhouse status could drive up property prices while others express concern about potential international debt and a weak currency.
