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Harper backs anti-secession drive as poll shows 60% staying.

6/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper has joined Premier Danielle Smith’s campaign urging Albertans to vote against the October 19 secession referendum.
An Angus Reid Institute poll conducted May 22-24 showed 60 % would stay in Confederation while 35 % would support beginning separation.
Volunteer group Forever Canadian has collected over 400,000 signatures and will register as a third-party advertiser to mobilize stay-side supporters.

History

Historical Context

Canada’s 1995 Quebec sovereignty referendum, decided by a 49.4 % yes vote on October 30, spurred the federal Clarity Act and the 1997 Calgary Declaration that sought to block future secession bids. Earlier constitutional attempts, such as the defeated 1992 Charlottetown Accord, also highlighted deep national divides, a legacy that informs today’s renewed provincial independence discussions.

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Story summary

Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper has joined Premier Danielle Smith’s campaign urging Albertans to vote against the October 19 secession referendum.
An Angus Reid Institute poll conducted May 22-24 showed 60 % would stay in Confederation while 35 % would support beginning separation.
Volunteer group Forever Canadian has collected over 400,000 signatures and will register as a third-party advertiser to mobilize stay-side supporters.

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