The Research
Methodology
A total of 681 businesses completed the survey between May 22 and June 17, 2026. Additionally, an online panel of 800 members of the Alberta public completed the survey between June 6 and June 14, 2026. As part of the survey, questions on Alberta separation discourse were asked related to current impact on their business/place of employment and the provincial economy. In addition, questions relating to the CUSMA negotiations were also asked.
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
- Make the research available to individual chambers for their own use with local municipalities
Key Findings
- Among businesses, the impact of Federal Government policies on Alberta (20%) continues to be identified as the most important issue facing the province, followed by separation (15%).
- Among the public, access and quality of health care increased substantially this year (31% and up from 20%).
- Almost nine-in-ten business and public believe the oil and gas sector will continue to be as, if not more, important in the future.
- Removing interprovincial trade barriers, diversification and attracting investments are being cited as the key priorities for the province.
- Four-in-ten (39%) businesses say talk of separation from Canada is impacting their business, while almost seven-in-ten (68%) say the provincial economy is being impacted.
- One-quarter (28%) of Alberta public indicate the discourse around Alberta separation is impacting their place of employment, increasing to 62% for the provincial economy.
- Both businesses and the public believe that the cancellation of the CUSMA agreement would have an impact.