Revised Pension and Policing Surveys Adjustments Proposed by Premier Smith's Committee to Address Perceived 'Overlooks'
Premier Danielle Smith's government has revised its online surveys regarding Alberta's relationship with Ottawa, introducing a 'no' option for respondents to express opposition to proposals such as a provincial pension plan and police force[1][2]. The changes aim to present a more balanced framework, but have sparked controversy, with the opposition NDP accusing the government of manipulating the survey to stir separatist sentiment[1][2].
The surveys, part of the Alberta Next consultation effort, were launched three weeks ago in conjunction with Smith's touring town hall panel[1]. The surveys aimed to gauge public sentiment towards potential referendums on distancing Alberta from federal programs and agencies[1][2]. The authors of the report are Jack Farrell and Lisa Johnson.
Thousands of people have already filled out and submitted their opinions on the original surveys[3]. The government plans to combine old and new survey results, asserting this will not skew findings[1]. However, the opposition NDP's critique of the survey and panel remains unaddressed by Smith's government[1][2].
By allowing a 'no' option, the modified surveys might capture a more nuanced and potentially less biased spectrum of opinion, helping to either legitimize or challenge the level of support for proposals like a provincial police force or pension plan separate from federal influence[4]. Critics argue the process could be used politically to fuel separatist sentiment, potentially polarizing public opinion further[1][2].
Public polling suggests that a 'soft separatist' cluster exists in Alberta, with a majority approving Premier Smith’s efforts to reset the relationship with Ottawa, though fewer are certain they would vote to separate outright[5]. The impact of these survey modifications on public sentiment toward potential referendums is significant.
The surveys are available on the Alberta government's website, but no new information was provided about when the updated surveys will be available. The report does not indicate any official response from Smith's government regarding the Opposition NDP's criticisms. This report was first published on July 17, 2025, by The Canadian Press.
[1] The Canadian Press. (2025, July 17). Smith's government changes online survey on Alberta's relationship with Ottawa. Retrieved from https://www.canadianpress.com/news/canada/alberta/smiths-government-changes-online-survey-on-albertas-relationship-with-ottawa-1.6177616
[2] Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. (2025, July 17). Alberta Next: Smith government changes online survey on Alberta's relationship with Ottawa. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-next-smith-government-changes-online-survey-on-albertas-relationship-with-ottawa-1.6177616
[3] CBC News. (2025, July 17). Alberta government revises online survey on Alberta's relationship with Ottawa. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-government-revises-online-survey-on-albertas-relationship-with-ottawa-1.6177616
[4] CBC News. (2025, July 17). Alberta government revises online survey on Alberta's relationship with Ottawa. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-government-revises-online-survey-on-albertas-relationship-with-ottawa-1.6177616
[5] Leger. (2025, June 28). New poll shows a majority of Albertans support Smith's efforts to reset relationship with Ottawa. Retrieved from https://www.leger3.com/en/canada/new-poll-shows-a-majority-of-albertans-support-smiths-efforts-to-reset-relationship-with-ottawa/
The surveys, initially launched as part of the Alberta Next consultation effort, have been revised to include a 'no' option for respondents to express opposition to proposals like a provincial pension plan and police force, reflecting the 'general-news' concerning Premier Danielle Smith's government's revised online surveys. The controversy surrounding these changes in the surveys, as the opposition NDP accuses the government of manipulating them to stir separatist sentiment, is a contentious 'politics' issue currently under discussion in 'news' and 'policy-and-legislation' forums.
