Fact Check: Are independence supporters 'the incels of politics'?
An insult with no demographic evidence behind it.
Author Todd Babiak called Alberta separatists “the incels of politics” in an interview with Real Talk Ryan Jespersen. Jespersen’s account shared the remark while promoting the interview. But does the description fit the people who support Alberta’s independence movement?
"They're the incels of politics."
— Real Talk Ryan Jespersen (@RealTalkRJ) September 23, 2026
Author Todd @babiak says "there's something special" about Alberta, but it's being stifled by the separation movement.
Do you feel the same way?
👀 FULL: https://t.co/hAMAqKVTOH
🎧 FULL: https://t.co/0iOZzcfXuk #abpoli #RealTalkRJ pic.twitter.com/qdRmokfcuc
An August Angus Reid poll found that 35% of Albertans aged 35 to 54 supported Option 2, the proposal to begin a legal process leading to a later binding vote on separation. Support was 15% among 18- to 34-year-olds and 40% among those 55 and older. On a direct question about leaving Canada, support among 35- to 54-year-olds was 33%.
That middle age group includes many Albertans raising children and working to support families.
The poll did find a gender gap: 40% of men and 27% of women supported Option 2. Women’s support alone makes clear the movement cannot be described as exclusively male, while men’s support says nothing about whether they are single or socially isolated.
There is plenty to debate about independence. Babiak chose a personal slur instead. The published numbers show support among women, middle-aged adults and older Albertans. They offer no evidence for his characterization of the people behind the movement.
Sheila Gunn Reid
Chief Reporter
Sheila Gunn Reid is the Editor-in-Chief, Alberta Bureau Chief, member of the board of directors, and host of The Gunn Show at Rebel News. Sheila also serves as President of the Independent Press Gallery of Canada. A mother of three and longtime conservative activist, Sheila is the author of bestselling books, including her most recent release, Independence Blueprint: What Alberta Can Learn From Quebec.
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