u/#correct

Eat ze elk! I’m just personally pissed at Canada because they’re so one way with employment. They deliberately sent thousands of people to LA to work in the entertainment industry, simultaneously luring production to Vancouver but try working in Vancouver as an American. Even if you’re married to a Canadian! No can do! Enjoy your bugs. Oh and if you’ve ever gone through customs going into Canada you’ve met the biggest jerks in the world who treat everyone like a criminal. Choke on your bugs, Canucks.

My mind went to "What is the state of the Stay Free Alberta movement." Did some looking and it seem this is a pipe dream.

As of mid-June 2026, the Alberta separatist/independence movement remains active and has forced a high-profile provincial referendum, but it continues to lack majority support and faces major legal and practical obstacles.

Key Recent Developments

• Citizen Petition: The group Stay Free Alberta submitted roughly 300,000 signatures (well above the ~178,000 threshold) for a citizen initiative on independence. A court ruling in May 2026 (favoring First Nations concerns over treaty rights and consultation) blocked direct certification of that petition, prompting an appeal.
• Provincial Referendum: Premier Danielle Smith announced an October 19, 2026 referendum. One key question asks roughly: Should Alberta remain a province of Canada, or should the government begin the constitutional process for a future binding referendum on separation? Smith has stated she will vote No (to remain in Canada) and that a strong "remain" vote would end the debate.
• Counter Efforts: The opposing Alberta Forever Canada petition gathered over 400,000 signatures supporting staying in Canada.

Current Support Levels

Recent polling shows support for independence is a minority position and has declined:

• Ipsos poll (late May/early June 2026): Only about 19% would vote yes on the October trigger question for a future separation process; 72% would vote to remain in Canada. For a hypothetical binding referendum, support for leaving sits at 18% (down 10 points from 28% in January 2026).
• Earlier 2026 polls (Angus Reid, Abacus, etc.): Support hovered in the 26-29% range for separation in principle, but "hardline" or committed support is lower (~15-16%), with most opposition being firm.

Sentiment is stronger in rural areas and among those frustrated with federal energy and climate policies, but overall it reflects alienation more than a committed push to leave.

Challenges

• Legal/Constitutional: Unilateral separation is widely viewed as extremely difficult or impossible without broad negotiations, constitutional changes, and addressing Indigenous treaty rights.
• Economic: Analysts highlight risks to trade, investment, and the province’s integrated economy.
• Political: Both Premier Smith and federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre focus on fixing grievances (e.g., carbon taxes, energy restrictions) within Canada rather than pursuing exit.

Summary: The movement has enough energy to trigger a significant October vote that will act as a political pressure test and barometer of Western alienation. However, with support trending downward and clear majority opposition, it is unlikely to lead to actual separation. A strong "remain" result could deflate momentum, while federal political shifts (e.g., a Conservative government) might further reduce tensions. The situation remains fluid but grounded in protest more than viable exit.