Polling shows Alberta and Saskatchewan people want action towards a fair deal
CALGARY – The Buffalo Project, a group of concerned citizens fighting for a new deal for Alberta and Saskatchewan, are calling for the immediate release of the Alberta Fair Deal Panel Report.
The group cites growing concerns among Alberta and Saskatchewan residents in recent polling.
“Our polling shows Alberta and Saskatchewan residents want to see action from their provincial governments immediately to address the ongoing unfairness within Canada,” said Buffalo Project Board Chair Dallas Howe. “The release of the Fair Deal Panel Report is the logical first step.”
A recent poll conducted on behalf of the Buffalo Project among members of the Angus Reid Forum from June 3-7, 2020 showed 75 per cent of Alberta people and 72 per cent of Saskatchewan people are dissatisfied with their province’s treatment by the federal government.
Further, roughly three-in-five, 58 per cent in Alberta and 57 per cent in Saskatchewan support a new arrangement where their province would have more autonomy from the federal government within confederation. Of those in support of greater autonomy, roughly one-half want action immediately and do not want to wait until the pandemic situation or economy stabilizes.
The group also noted Premier Jason Kenney committed in the Alberta Legislature on May 27th, 2020 to releasing the Fair Deal report immediately following the suspension of Alberta’s State of Emergency which is set to expire on June 15.
Many of the policy proposals the panels will report on, like the creation of an Alberta Pension Plan, creation of provincial tax collection agencies, utility corridors and negotiating new international trade agreements, would create many high-paying local jobs for Alberta – and in Saskatchewan if that province decided to take similar actions.
“We are thankful the Alberta Government initiated the Fair Deal Panel, and now is the time to see what work has been done and take action,” added Howe. “The economic crisis caused by COVID and a global oil price war makes the need for change even greater, especially if we can create jobs at home and increase our freedom within an unfair federation.”
The Buffalo Project further encouraged all residents of Alberta and Saskatchewan to engage their political leaders as the release of the Fair Deal Report is a critical step to long-term change.
“Our provinces are at a pivotal point in our history and we need informed citizens to urge their political leaders to fight for our shared prosperity.”
The Buffalo Project looks forward to responding to the Fair Deal Panels Report based on the work by the panelists, polling data and feedback from their founders.
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Findings of the study/survey conducted by the Buffalo Project from June 3-7, 2020 were with a representative sample of 800 Alberta residents and 800 Saskatchewan residents who are members of the Angus Reid Forum.
About Angus Reid Forum surveys:
The precision of Angus Reid Forum online polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the poll is accurate for each province to within +/- 3.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, had all Canadians been polled. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error, and measurement error.
The Angus Reid Forum is Canada’s most well-known and trusted online public opinion community consisting of engaged residents across the country who answer surveys on topical issues that matter to all Canadians.
