Commentary
Canadian unity has never been so challenged. Alberta will hold a non-binding independence referendum this October, which could lead to a formal independence referendum soon afterward. Nearly one in three people in Saskatchewan are considering separation, according to an Ipsos poll. And Quebec may be poised to elect the Parti Québécois this fall with the understanding that the party would hold another independence referendum.
While support for secession has not yet reached majority levels in any province, it appears to be growing. Even if referendums are held on the issue and independence proponents don’t win, the movements won’t go away because the factors making them give up on the federation remain unchanged. It will just be a matter of time before the issue bubbles to the surface again….