The remain' and leave' campaigns may be wrapping up as the time nears for referendum ballots to be counted, but few Albertans believe the separatist issue will be buried regardless of how Monday's referendum turns out.

New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds three-in-five (62%) Albertans believing "there will never be an end to the separatist movement" in the province. One-quarter (24%) disagree.

This comes as "remain a province of Canada", otherwise known as Option 1, continues to be the choice of a majority (66%) of Albertans. For the one-third (34%) who support holding a future binding separation referendum, or Option 2, the motivation is less likely separation (37%) and more likely sending a message to Ottawa (60%).

Premier Danielle Smith has come under much criticism for her role in removing the barriers to make the separation referendum happen. A majority (61%) of Albertans say she has handled the issue of separation "poorly". Her challenge, regardless of the outcome of the referendum, will be to continue to hold separatists (63% of UCP voters) and stay in Canada (37% of UCP voters) supporters under the UCP's big tent.

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