The Claim
Many advocates argue Alberta has a distinct culture: more individualistic, more entrepreneurial, more freedom-oriented, and fundamentally different from Central Canada.
Testing the Claims
Alberta has voted majority Conservative since 1958, but elected an NDP government 2015-2019. Urban-rural divides exist within Alberta, similar to other provinces.
Where Alberta Differs
- Support for resource development (higher)
- Opposition to carbon pricing (higher)
- Trust in federal government (lower)
Where Alberta is Similar
- Support for universal healthcare
- Views on social issues like same-sex marriage
- Support for immigration (roughly similar)
Pro-Independence View
Alberta's culture is measurably different and actively disparaged by federal institutions.
Federalist View
Regional variation exists within all countries. Canada is a multicultural federation - diversity is the Canadian identity.