New data shows Albertans want to put an end to public funding for private schools

New data out Thursday suggests many Albertans don’t want public funding going toward private schools.

The survey conducted by ThinkHQ asked respondents how they would vote in a hypothetical future referendum on eliminating the use of taxpayer money for independent (private) schools.

Nearly 60 per cent said they are in favour of ending the practice of provincial support for private schools — more than double who report they would say ‘no.’

Earlier this year, Alberta’s government made it easier for citizens to initiate petitions on issues that matter most to them.

The move itself has been controversial, and has spurred action on a variety of issues including Alberta independence, coal mining in the Rockies, and private school funding.

On Oct. 3, a group called Alberta Funds Public Schools, was given approval to begin gathering signatures in support of its effort. If successful, their question “Should the Government of Alberta end its current practice of allocating funds to accredited independent (private) schools?” could be put to a referendum.

Alicia Taylor, who belongs to the group initiating the petition, says the province isn’t adequately funding public schools so there shouldn’t be any taxpayer money going to private education.

Petition organizers have until Feb. 11, 2026 to gather the 177,732 signatures required to support the petition.

Awareness of the petition is moderate, according to the data: nearly half of those surveyed were aware of the cause or had heard about it.

ThinkHQ says awareness tends to increase with education, is higher among NDP voters, and those with kids younger that 18 at home.

President Marc Henry says Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides could be in a bind if the initiative is successful.

“If the will of Alberta voters finds its way to a ballot box, public funding for private schools may be on the way out,” he added.

The type of direct democracy permitted through the changes to the Citizen Initiative Act and Recall Act have been used thus far as tools against the governing United Conservatives; 20 members of the 47-member caucus are facing recall petitions against them.

An effort against Premier Danielle Smith was approved by Elections Alberta on Wednesday.

“It’s a bit like a dog chasing a badger; it probably seems like a good idea until you catch it,” Henry said.

The survey of 1,150 Albertans was conducted from Oct. 31 to Nov. 5.