CANADA Day is often a time to reflect on the country’s history, but this July 1, perhaps more so than others, will have Canadians pondering Canada’s future. National unity is set to be challenged during a pivotal fall with both a Quebec provincial election and Alberta referendum on the calendar.

New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds most Canadians believe it’s unlikely that either Alberta (64%) or Quebec (67%) will separate from the country. And three-in-five (58%) describe themselves as “optimistic” about the future of Canada as a united country.

But that doesn’t mean Canadians are dismissive of the separatist movements as a passing fad. Fewer than one-in-five (17%) believe separatism will fade in Alberta and Quebec over time.

Indeed, most describe it either as a describe it as a reflection of “serious regional frustration” (36%) or go further and say the movements are a “fundamental problem” for Canada’s national unity (36%).

Within the provinces dealing with the separatist sentiment, Albertans are more likely to describe Alberta separation as inevitable (10%) or possible (26%) than Quebecers (5%, 25% respectively), although that is a minority view in both provinces.

And Albertans are more likely to describe separatist pushes as “fundamental” threats to Canada’s unity (46%) than those in Quebec (35%). In both provinces, however, provincial political leanings play a major role in how residents view their respective situations. Those who would vote UCP if there were an immediate Alberta election are more likely to believe Alberta separation is inevitable (19%) or likely (45%) than others in the province; same goes when comparing those who would vote for the separatist Parti Québécois in Quebec (18% inevitable; 41% likely) to others.

Link to the poll here: www.angusreid.org/