Albertans react to poll depicting them as 'aggrieved' and 'anxious'

Depression and anxiety are running deep in Alberta,according to a recent poll by the Angus Reid Institute in partnership with CBC News.

Roughly 59 per centof Albertarespondents are pessimistic about the future of their province.

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An increase of calls to the Distress Centre Calgary reflects this new reality, according to clinical services manager David Kirby.

"We hear from a lot of people about the conflict in relationships that's happening and a lot of depression as well," he said.

How Albertans feel about the way Ottawa treats them

8 years ago

Duration 0:55

Depression and anxiety are running deep in Alberta, according to a recent poll by the Angus Reid Institute in partnership with CBC News. Here's a look at the reaction to the numbers.

"People are really feeling down about what's happening and not certain about how this is going to change or when it's going to improve, or when is this next boom going tohappen," Kirby added.

Survey respondents were asked if they agree with the following statements:

• My province is treated fairly by the national government.
• My province contributes more to the country than it gets back.
• My province is respected by the rest of the country.

Here's what elseAlbertanshad to say about the results.

86% of Albertans believethe province has contributed more to Canadathan it gets in return

"I think right now with the economy the way it is it's more of a sliding scale, that the rest of the country needsto make up some of the shortfall that Alberta's experiencing because of the under $50 abarrel of oil, and the loss of jobs here. So we're not a 'have-not' province but we're certainly not as 'have' a province as, historically, Alberta has been."Bruce Noble

Just 36% of Albertans feel their province istreated fairly by the federal government

"I think we're at the bottom of the totem pole. So I don't feel that we're a priority."KasiaRichard

45% of Albertans feel the province is respected by the rest of the country

"It seems like that's appallingly low actually. I don't know that I feel particularly strongly about it either way. But my only response is that seems too low and if that's truly a reflection of how people in Alberta feel, then that's a concern I think."Allissa Lau

There's no sympathy, no empathy for what's going on.I would definitely say there's a lack of respect."Whitney McKenzie

The Angus Reid Institute conducted anonline surveySept.6-12among a representative, randomized sample of 3,904 Canadian adults who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The sample plan included large oversamples in certain cities and regions, includingwhich were then weighted down to provide a national snapshot. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of plus or minus2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

A total of 735 Albertansweresurveyed as part of the national survey. Aprobability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of plus or minus fourpercentage points, 19 times out of 20.