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CBC
28-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Poll finds Albertans' attachment to Canada has grown as support for separatism has hardened
Like many Albertans, Michelle Schamehorn was disappointed by the Liberal victory in last month's federal election. But she's not on board with the escalating rhetoric surrounding Alberta separation. "For me, no. I don't want to separate," said the resident of Taber, Alta., who works at a local truck dealership and feels most Canadian when she's snowshoeing in the mountains. "I'm proud to be Canadian. Very, very proud to be Canadian." She remains squarely in the majority in this province, according to new polling commissioned by CBC News, which asked a random sample of 1,200 people across Alberta their views on a variety of topics. When it came to the question of whether Alberta would be better off if it separated from Canada, 67 per cent disagreed while 30 per cent agreed. The result was almost identical to a similar poll that asked the same question five years earlier. One thing that has changed, however, is the strength of support among the Alberta separatists. In May 2020, only 12 per cent "strongly" agreed. By May 2025, that had grown to 17 per cent. The poll also found a shift in public opinion at the other end of the spectrum. Asked whether they feel more attachment to Alberta or to Canada, 34 per cent now picked their country over their province. That's up from just 20 per cent five years ago. There was little change in those who feel more attachment to Alberta over that same time, while the proportion of those who said "both equally" shrunk substantially. "So, I think we're seeing polarization on both ends," said pollster Janet Brown, who conducted the public-opinion research for CBC News. "When it comes to separation, we're seeing that the number of people who strongly agree with separation is increasing," Brown said. "On the other side, we see the people who are attached to Canada, we see that group growing. The more we talk about separation, the more people are saying that they feel attached to Canada." On a straight ballot question, meanwhile, 28 per cent of Albertans said in the latest polling that they'd vote to separate if a referendum were held today, compared to 67 per cent who would vote against separation. Five per cent said they weren't sure. Trump effect CBC News visited Taber recently to ask people in Alberta's Conservative heartland about what Canada means to them after the rhetoric around separation kicked up. Several residents said they weren't ready to give up on Canada yet, despite their disappointment at seeing the Liberals win a fourth consecutive election. Daybreak Alberta 10:00 We head to Taber to talk about separatist sentiment in Alberta Elise Stolte wanted to hear what Taber residents, a real conservative stronghold, think about the suggestion that the province should separate from the rest of Canada. Schamehorn said she's not a very political person, but the combination of the election defeat, talk of independence and the U.S. tariffs shocked her. It's made her pay more attention, she said, and she doesn't believe Alberta should pick up and walk away in frustration. "We're Canada. We're Alberta. And we need to figure this out," she said. "We have countries that are trying to destroy us right now. And we can't let that happen. We have to figure out how to be strong, together." Taber resident Michelle Schamehorn describes herself as 'very, very proud' to be Canadian. (Elise Stolte/CBC) Brown, the pollster, says the recent tariffs and annexation threats from U.S. President Donald Trump have had a distinct effect on how Albertans view their province and their country. "When you look deeper at the data, there definitely is a connection there," she said. "One of the questions we asked was how stressed out people were about U.S.-Canada trade relations. And it seems like society here in Alberta is breaking into two groups: those people who are very preoccupied with tariffs and those people who aren't that preoccupied with tariffs. In fact, they are more preoccupied with Ottawa than they are with Washington." Albertans who feel stressed by the trade war expressed significantly higher attachment to Canada in the recent polling. Those who said they weren't stressed by it, in contrast, expressed significantly higher attachment to Alberta. 'I guess I'm more Canadian' Rick Tams works with Schamehorn at a truck dealership in Taber. He puts himself in the Canadian-first camp, but with a pretty big asterisk attached. "We are a member of a country first and I live in the province of Alberta, so I guess I'm more Canadian," he said. "But that being said, there's a gap within our own country. It's flawed." Rick Tams in Taber, Alta., describes himself as more Canadian than Albertan but says he's been frustrated by the past 10 years of Liberal government in Ottawa. In his circles, he believes a separation referendum would have a chance. (Elise Stolte/CBC) Tams says he's been frustrated by the past 10 years of Liberal government in Ottawa, in particular when it comes to deficit spending, oil-and-gas regulations and the lack of follow-through on once-promised electoral reform. He says he's seen, first hand, how that's hardened some Albertans' attitudes toward separation. "In the circles I travel in, I think a referendum would have a chance," he said. "That doesn't mean we have to leave. But it does mean people have got to start paying attention." As for himself? "I would like to see just a whole lot more information before there was a vote," Tams said. Political implications Brown says the polling results show a "yes" vote in a hypothetical referendum on separation would almost certainly fail, but at the same time reveal a "sizeable minority of people who are serious about this idea." "You just can't call this a fringe idea anymore," she said. "It's a strong sentiment in the population." The political implications are far-reaching, she added, especially for Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Brown noted the poll results show Alberta NDP supporters are almost universally opposed to separation, while 54 per cent of UCP supporters said they would vote in favour of it, if a referendum were held today. "Danielle Smith is dealing with a voter base that's split on the issue of separatism, while [NDP Leader] Naheed Nenshi is looking at a voter base who is single-minded on this issue," Brown said. "So that makes it much more challenging for Danielle Smith to manage her way through this." At the same time, Brown said further data from the latest poll suggests Smith is "doing a better job speaking to the middle group — the group who's both attached to Canada and attached to Alberta." "That group maybe wants a new deal from Ottawa but doesn't want to separate," Brown said. "And she is speaking to that group, and I don't think the NDP is yet speaking to that group." The details of that aspect of the poll results — which party is leading in popular support, and why — will be the topic of the next story in this series, which will be published later Wednesday. EDITOR'S NOTE: CBC News commissioned this public opinion research to be conducted immediately following the federal election and leading into the second anniversary of the United Conservative Party's provincial election win in May 2023. As with all polls, this one provides a snapshot in time. This analysis is one in a series of articles from this research. More stories will follow. Methodology: The CBC News random survey of 1,200 Albertans was conducted using a hybrid method from May 7 to 21, 2025, by Edmonton-based Trend Research under the direction of Janet Brown Opinion Research. The sample is representative of regional, age and gender factors. The margin of error is +/- 2.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. For subsets, the margin of error is larger. The survey used a hybrid methodology that involved contacting survey respondents by telephone and giving them the option of completing the survey at that time, at another more convenient time, or receiving an email link and completing the survey online. Trend Research contacted people using a random list of numbers, consisting of 40 per cent landlines and 60 per cent cellphone numbers. Telephone numbers were dialled up to five times at five different times of day before another telephone number was added to the sample. The response rate among valid numbers (i.e., residential and personal) was 12.8 per cent.
Epoch Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Washington Should Take Efficiency Seriously
Commentary DOGE is saving billions and it's doing what voters asked for. As someone who has represented the United States abroad, first as ambassador to Hungary and later as U.S. chief of protocol, I've seen how American leadership is measured not just by strength or ideals, but by functionality. Our allies watch how we govern ourselves. And too often, what they've seen in recent decades is an increasingly bloated federal government, mired in duplication, inefficiency, and bureaucratic inertia. That's why the work of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, deserves serious consideration. Led by Elon Musk, DOGE has taken on a task that most administrations have promised but failed to achieve: modernizing how our federal government operates. It has consolidated overlapping offices, canceled wasteful contracts, sold underutilized properties, and implemented data-driven reforms, all aimed at reducing cost, improving performance, and saving taxpayer money. Since it began in January, Polling backs this up. A February Related Stories 5/14/2025 5/10/2025 DOGE's creation may have sparked controversy, particularly among those uncomfortable with Musk's unconventional approach and public persona. But we shouldn't allow style to eclipse substance. If government is functioning more effectively and at a lower cost to taxpayers, then we must look seriously at how those outcomes are being achieved, and what lessons can be responsibly applied more broadly. Having served in federal roles that demand strict compliance with law, protocol, and tradition, I know firsthand that reform must operate within the boundaries of our values. Rule of law and adherence to institutional norms are non-negotiable. Yet so, too, is the need for honest appraisal: Much of our federal bureaucracy has become outdated, sprawling, and resistant to change. Streamlining is not an assault on government. It is, in fact, an affirmation of it—an attempt to make public institutions worthy of public trust. Of course, DOGE's approach is not without flaws. Musk himself has candidly admitted as much. Critics have questioned whether all reported savings are fully verified, and transparency around decision-making needs improvement. Oversight is not only appropriate—it's essential. But the existence of imperfections should not be a pretext for dismissing a bold, productive effort to modernize government. We cannot let perfect be the enemy of progress. It's a time-honored tradition in Washington for good ideas to wither under partisan suspicion. But government reform should not be the property of any one party. For decades, both Republicans and Democrats have campaigned on promises to cut waste, modernize services, and rein in unnecessary spending. DOGE is doing what many in both parties have failed to do: take those promises seriously. The real question is not whether DOGE is controversial—it is. The real question is whether it is effective. So far, the evidence suggests that it is. The challenge ahead is to preserve that momentum, institutionalize the best of what DOGE is doing, fix mistakes, and ensure it is guided by transparency, accountability, and legal rigor. This moment presents a rare opportunity: the chance to reshape how government operates in a way that is more responsive to the people it serves. Instead of vilifying reformers, we should come together around a shared goal that transcends politics: building a government that works. If DOGE continues to help us get there, it deserves not derision, but support. From Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Cision Canada
16-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Axonify Uncovers the Training Disconnect Facing Gen Z Frontline Workers
New data shows personalized, mobile-first learning is essential to retaining and engaging the newest generation of frontline workers WATERLOO, ON, May 16, 2025 /CNW/ -- Generation Z (Gen Z) is reshaping the workforce—and setting new expectations for how training should support their success. According to Axonify's latest report, Polling the frontline: Gen Z's training and skills gaps, more than three-quarters (77%) of frontline Gen Z workers have faced situations where insufficient job-specific skills and training hindered their ability to complete tasks effectively. In these moments, nearly two-thirds (62%) reported feeling overwhelmed and anxious, over half (55%) experienced embarrassment and 14% even considered quitting their jobs. This new data from Axonify, a global leader in frontline training and performance, reveals the urgent need for employers to rethink how they train and support the newest generation of frontline talent. The report surveyed 500 U.S. Gen Z frontline workers to understand what's working—and where training is falling flat. For many, training begins and ends at onboarding. One in three received training only when they started their role, while 37% say they don't have enough time to learn on the job. Others describe the training they did receive as disengaging or irrelevant, with 34% reporting that the content lacked interest or practical value. These gaps have real consequences: 67% of Gen Z workers say more consistent training would help reduce burnout, and 81% believe they would stay longer in their jobs if they had better ongoing support. For Gen Z frontline workers, it's not just about how much training they get—it's about how relevant and applicable it is. Many say the content they receive isn't personalized, doesn't reflect their day-to-day challenges or fails to build confidence. In fact, 24% of respondents said they didn't feel more confident after completing training, highlighting deeper issues with how knowledge is being delivered and reinforced. "These findings underscore the critical need for employers to rethink their training strategies to better support Gen Z workers," said Dave Carter, Chief Revenue Officer at Axonify. "By providing personalized, engaging and accessible training programs, organizations can not only bridge existing skills gaps but also enhance employee confidence, productivity and retention. It's clear that adapting to the preferences of this new generation is essential for building a resilient and effective frontline workforce." Gen Z workers aren't resistant to training—they're asking for more of it, delivered with purpose, relevance and flexibility. Half of the respondents (50%) want personalized training tailored to their roles and career goals. Meanwhile, 35% prefer short video modules that are quick and easy to understand and another 35% want the option to learn on mobile devices. The shift toward more personalized, continuous learning is reshaping how frontline organizations approach training and development—and Gen Z is shining a spotlight on what they need to succeed. When training reflects these real-life situations, workers report greater confidence (90%), productivity (82%) and job satisfaction (81%)—all of which drive better outcomes for employers. "This generation is digitally native and eager for work," said Carter. "When training is personalized, practical and accessible, it enables Gen Z to grow with your organization instead of out of it." Learn more about the state of Gen Z frontline training in full - Polling the frontline: Gen Z's training and skills gaps Survey methodology: Axonify surveyed 500 retail, hospitality and food and beverage frontline workers within Generation Z (age 18- 28) in the U.S. using the online insights platform Pollfish. This survey was completed in April 2025. About Axonify Axonify is the #1 frontline-forward training and performance platform used by companies like Walmart, Kroger and Foot Locker. Over 4M users in 160+ countries use Axonify to onboard and train in five minutes a day. With personalized, AI-powered microlearning, custom training content, embedded communication, task management and more, Axonify is revolutionizing the way frontline workers learn, connect and get things done. Axonify is headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit
The Province
24-04-2025
- Politics
- The Province
Jagmeet Singh and Elizabeth May at risk of losing their B.C. seats, poll aggregator projects
NDP captain projected to finish third, Green co-leader in a tight race with Conservative contender Polling aggregator 338 Canada projects Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has only a four per cent chance of being re-elected. (Photo by Jason Payne/ PNG) (For story by Sarah Grochowski) [PNG Merlin Archive] Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Neither the NDP nor the Green Party of Canada are expected to form government after April 28, and now it's forecast that respective leaders Jagmeet Singh and Elizabeth May are in danger of losing their B.C. seats to a Liberal and a Conservative. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors In Singh's riding of Burnaby—South, poll aggregator 338Canada projects Liberal candidate Wade Wei Lin Chang to win with 38 per cent of the vote. Singh is forecast to finish third with 29 per cent behind the Conservatives' James Yan, who clocks in at 32. The margin of error for each projection is eight percentage points. Read More When first elected for Burnaby South in 2019, Singh took almost 38 per cent of the vote. He increased it to 40 per cent in 2021, per Elections Canada. At the time of prime minister Justin Trudeau's resignation, 338Canada's data gave him just over a 70 per cent chance of reclaiming his seat. In the following weeks, his odds fell and the likelihood of a Conservative win improved, only for both to be significantly overtaken by the Liberals once Mark Carney won the leadership. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. If Thursday had been election day, Singh had a four per cent chance of being re-elected while Chang's odds of turning the historically orange seat red were 81 per cent, per 338Canada. Why Jagmeet Singh lost his cool during the French-language debate Former NDP leader Thomas Mulcair said this week that Singh should surrender leadership if the party lose official party status. Before the election was called, the party held 24 seats in the House, but polls since Trudeau's departure show support dwindling much like Singh's own fortunes. An election held on Thursday would yield just eight seats, 338Canada projects. Twelve seats are required to maintain status. 'He's got to ensure he gets it,' Mulcair said during a CTV panel segment. 'I think he's serene in his understanding of what it might mean for him, and I'm not getting any indication that he's intent of fighting to stay on.' Singh has been pointedly asked about his future during campaign stops. In Winnipeg on Thursday morning, when it was put to him that his leadership is on the line, Singh replied, 'What's on the line in this election are working people and everyday families. That's what I'm focused on.' On Wednesday, during a campaign stop in Edmonton to pitch the party's national rent control program, Singh was asked by reporters what kind of metric he's looking for to justify staying on as leader. 'I'm never going to stop fighting for these people. I'm never going to back down,' he replied in an answer more focused on the rent issue of the day. It was the same a day earlier in Vancouver, where he insisted his only focus is the remaining campaign ahead and not what happens after. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. "We got five days left–I didn't hear any bell. Did you guys hear a bell? This fight's not over. We're here fighting every single day," says Jagmeet Singh when asked by a reporter how his party would fare if fewer NDP MPs are elected to the House of Commons. #cdnpoli #elxn2025 — CPAC (@CPAC_TV) April 23, 2025 Burnaby Central was established following the 2022 federal electoral boundaries redistribution, making it a new riding for 2025. And while it still consists of much of Singh's original riding, it now encompasses parts of what were once Burnaby North—Seymour and New Westminster—Burnaby. Since 2015, the latter has been held by New Democrat Peter Julian, who is now seeking re-election in New Westminster-Burnaby-Maillardville. 338Canada gives him a 49 per cent chance of winning, but he's in a dog fight with the Liberals' Jake Sawatzky (45 per cent). Burnaby North—Seymour, meanwhile, has been a Liberal seat occupied by Terry Beech since 2015, but never without stiff NDP competition at the polls. Beech wants to go back to Ottawa, and 338Canada gives him 99 per cent chance to win. May not ready to retire Meanwhile, across the Strait of Georgia in Saanich—Gulf Islands, May is trailing Conservative candidate Cathie Ounsted as the campaign winds down. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. As of Thursday, the long-time Green leader and member of parliament is deadlocked at 34 per cent with her Tory opponent, with respective margins of error of eight and seven percentage points, per 338Canada. Liberal David Beckham is not far behind with a projected 24 per cent. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May is battling Conservative Cathie Ounsted to retain her Saanich—Gulf Islands seat in the House of Commons. Postmedia file Ounsted has a 52 per cent chance of winning an election held on Thursday, according to 338Canada. May stands at 48. 'There are many things I want to accomplish before I decide I'm going to retire, and I want to keep working,' she told The Tyee last week. The coastal riding has been May's since 2011 when she became the first Green MP elected to the House by defeating Gary Lunn, who'd held the seat since 1997 for the Reform Party, the Canadian Alliance and then the Conservatives under prime minister Stephen Harper. May went on to collect more than 54 per cent of the ballots in 2015, having won every poll in the riding, and just under 50 in 2019. Her margin of victory shrank in the 2021 election when she secured the win with only 37.6 per cent in the face of stiff competition from the Liberal and Conservative representatives. In an interview with the Times Colonist this week, May noted that the riding has historically been some shade of Conservative, so the challenge doesn't surprise her. 'They have a base here and they turn out their supporters. And right now, it's a two-way race between the Conservative and me. So it doesn't feel all that different.' Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here. Vancouver Canucks Homes Vancouver Canucks News Local News
