The likelihood of Canada losing either Alberta or Quebec from its federation appears low for now - given that a strong majority of residents in both provinces say they have no interest in the idea - but it certainly has the rest of the country talking, and alive to the potential consequences of separation.

New data forming the last of a three-part series from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute on national unity and separation finds Canadians saying that losing either Alberta or Quebec would be a negative if not significantly problematic economic hit to the nation.

In the case of Alberta, two-in-five (41%) say the loss would be overwhelmingly negative, as that province's oil and gas sector drives a large portion of that nation's economy. In fact, that number is twice as many as say the same of losing Quebec (20%). While losing either would be presumably catastrophic for Canada, Quebec is responsible for one-fifth of the nation's GDP, while Alberta's economy represents 15 per cent.

The well-trodden argument from Albertans, which is believed by both those who wish to leave and stay, is that the province gives out more than it gets as a part of confederation. For many, this is a fair critique. Indeed, 29 per cent of Canadians say Alberta gives more than it gets, well ahead of any other province or region, with Saskatchewan second at 13 per cent. On the other side of the equation, Canadians are most likely to say that Quebec benefits more than others (42%), well ahead of second place Ontario (22%).

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