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 Schoo