A new poll suggests the wording of some Alberta referendum questions may make government proposals appear more popular than their individual parts. The Angus Reid Institute surveyed Albertans using the government’s official wording for all 10 questions, and then conducted a second survey that separated out some of the policies bundled together on the ballot. The research found 21 per cent of Albertans consider the referendum wording difficult to understand. The greatest difference was found in the government’s first question about immigration. It asks voters to provide a single yes-or-no answer on increased provincial control over immigration, reducing immigration levels, prioritizing economic migrants and giving Albertans first priority for new employment opportunities. When presented with the government’s wording, 62 per cent said they would vote ‘yes’; 33 per cent said ‘no’ and five per cent were unsure. However, the results became more complicated when Angus Reid asked about the individual policies separately. Fifty-six per cent supported reducing immigration from current levels, while 58 per cent said economic contribution should be prioritized when selecting immigrants. Albertans were more divided over employment. Half said jobs should go to the most qualified applicant, regardless of how long they have lived in the province. Overall, 80 per cent disagreed with at least one element included in the government’s immigration question. Angus Reid said that does not mean 80 per cent would vote ‘no.’ Instead, the institute said the finding suggests a ‘yes’ vote may not clearly reveal which parts of the question a voter supports. Similar differences appeared elsewhere on the ballot. Sixty-four per cent supported the government’s bundled proposal to restrict access to provincially funded health care, education, and social services based on immigration status. When those services were considered separately, support varied. Albertans were evenly divided over access to education, while more supported restrictions on health care and income assistance. Another question asks whether provinces should be allowed to opt out of federal programs while continuing to receive the associated federal funding. The government’s wording produced an even split, with 44 per cent supporting the proposal and 44 per cent opposing it. Asked separately, 58 per cent said federal funding should require provinces to meet national conditions. Fifty-two per cent said Ottawa should be able to reduce or withhold funding when those conditions are not met. The difference was smaller on Alberta’s place in Canada, with a majority supporting remaining in Canada under both versions. Using the government’s wording and ballot order, 61 per cent chose to remain in Canada. That increased to 65 per cent when Angus Reid simplified the wording and placed the question last. Angus Reid’s first online survey was conducted from Aug. 10 to 13 among 1,017 Alberta adults. The second was conducted from Aug. 26 to Sept. 1 among 964 Alberta adults. For comparison purposes, the institute said each sample would carry a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The full survey can be found here. Albertans will vote on the 10 referendum questions on Oct. 19.
