Alberta Next Surveys Spark Widespread Anger Over One-Sided Questions
Newly released responses to the Alberta Next survey initiative have revealed widespread anger and deep skepticism among participants toward the provincial government's consultation process. The records, obtained through access to information requests, show that many respondents felt the questions were deliberately one-sided and failed to provide adequate opportunities to express opposition to the ideas being presented.
Survey Structure Draws Heavy Criticism
The surveys, which opened on June 24, 2025, as part of a broader provincial consultation that included town halls across Alberta, asked multiple-choice questions about several contentious issues. These included proposals for an Alberta pension plan, provincial police service, tax collection, immigration policies, federal transfers, and potential constitutional changes. However, the survey design immediately drew criticism for its apparent lack of dissenting options and a requirement that respondents watch informational videos before participating.
The 213 pages of released records contain just under 2,300 replies received during the survey's first two days of operation. A review of these responses indicates that nearly all expressed negative reactions, with approximately one in five replies specifically criticizing the survey process itself as leading and illegitimate.
Respondents Voice Frustration With Limited Options
Many participants expressed frustration with what they perceived as predetermined outcomes built into the survey structure. "This survey is absolutely ridiculous as there is not a question that states — 'do you want an Alberta police force.' I do not want one!" read one particularly pointed response.
Another respondent noted: "After going through the survey for the police force and pension plan I can already see that my opinion has no way to be represented in this survey." This sentiment was echoed by others who complained that "this was an extremely skewed survey. There was no option to oppose."
Transparency Issues and Previous Survey Results
Some respondents questioned why the government was conducting another survey on a provincial pension plan when results from a 2023 survey had already been published by Postmedia after a 21-month battle that involved the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner. That previous survey had shown only 10 percent of respondents favored abandoning the Canada Pension Plan.
"The survey results are clear (even though the government tried to hide the results from FOIP requests)," read one response, with another adding, "we already told you in the last survey."
Forced Video Content Adds to Complaints
The pre-survey videos, which could not be skipped or fast-forwarded, also drew significant criticism from participants who felt they were being subjected to propaganda before being allowed to express their opinions. This requirement was seen by many as further evidence that the consultation process was designed to steer respondents toward predetermined conclusions rather than genuinely gathering public input.
The release of these records came only after the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner launched five inquiries into the government's initial refusal to disclose the long-form responses. Premier Danielle Smith's office has been contacted for comment on the newly released survey responses but has not yet provided a statement addressing the widespread criticism revealed in the documents.
