Majority of Albertans rejected provincial pension in 2023 survey

The results of the Alberta government’s pension engagement survey have revealed that nearly two-thirds of respondents are not in favor of dumping the Canada Pension Plan in exchange for a provincial plan. According to the data provided by the government, 63 percent of survey participants opposed the idea of an Alberta pension, while only 10 percent were in favor, and 12 percent were undecided. The remaining 15 percent either had incomplete responses or suggested alternative options.

After a 21-month battle, the survey results were finally released to the public this week, following pressure from the Edmonton Journal and the privacy and information commissioner. The government referenced polls from 2025 that suggested a shift in public opinion towards supporting a provincial pension plan. However, many respondents in the survey criticized the idea, calling it “reckless” and labeling the survey as “a farce.”

One respondent expressed their strong opposition by stating, “I do not support this idea. I will move out of Alberta if this happens. I am Canadian first and fully support the Canada Pension Plan.” Another respondent warned that withdrawing from the CPP would have long-term negative consequences for the province.

Supporters of a provincial pension argued for financial independence from Ottawa, claiming that Alberta has paid a high price since Confederation and deserves financial autonomy. However, Edmonton-Decore MLA Sharif Haji, the NDP opposition critic for affordability and utilities, condemned the government for attempting to conceal the survey results and stated that the majority of Albertans do not want a provincial pension.

The push for an Alberta pension plan is seen as part of Premier Danielle Smith’s separation agenda, along with the proposal for an Alberta provincial police service. A report released in 2023 suggested that Alberta could be entitled to 53 percent of the CPP if it withdrew from the national plan, but Canada’s chief actuary later determined a lower percentage.

Premier Smith has emphasized that any decision to exit the CPP would require approval from Albertans through a referendum. An engagement panel, led by former provincial treasurer Jim Dinning, conducted town halls on the pension issue in the fall of 2023 to gather further input from the public.