The Research
Methodology
The research was conducted through the Alberta Perspectives platform, where the ACC distributed an online survey invitation to all member chambers across the province and additional non-chamber member businesses. A total of 594 participants completed the research.
Questions relating to key ‘hot button’ issues facing the province were asked including: most important issues facing Alberta, renewing CUSMA, Alberta’s financial situation, and Alberta separation and perceptions of the impact on business.
The research period for businesses ran from January 28th to February 6th, 2026.
Purpose of the research
- Broaden and deepen the evidence the ACC and local chambers can bring forward to articulate the perspectives of the province’s business community
- Compare and contrast the viewpoints of the public and business communities.
Key Findings
- Business remains more positive about the long-term future of Alberta (63%) than for Canada (57%).
- Uncertainty in the business environment (54%) is the top cited reason among businesses for their workforce decreasing over the next 6-12 months.
- 80% of businesses indicate they are concerned about the province’s finances.
- Alberta separation is considered the most important issue facing Alberta.
- In 2026, 56% say the current discourse around Alberta separation from Canada is impacting the provincial economy.
- Strengthening local and domestic supply chains remains the most important priority for Canada.