CALGARY — In an effort to understand the phrase that has dominated provincial discourse for three years, The Alberta Advantage canvassed five Albertans at a Tim Hortons in Crowfoot Crossing on Wednesday afternoon. The results were, depending on your view, either clarifying or deeply concerning.

Respondent A, a software engineer, said sovereignty within a united Canada meant "we're sovereign, but, like, also in Canada." Asked how the two coexisted, he said he had assumed someone in the government had figured that part out and felt embarrassed to ask.

Respondent B, a retiree, said the phrase reminded her of "open relationship" and that she would prefer the government just pick one. She also asked whether her CPP would still be honoured if she moved to Saskatchewan, a question The Alberta Advantage has agreed to forward to no one.

Respondent C declined to comment after initially saying "it means we're not Quebec," and then realizing that response would, in fact, be quoted.

Respondent D, a third-year political science student, attempted to explain the concept for nine minutes, during which time her coffee went cold and she described the Sovereignty Act variously as "a constitutional thought experiment," "a vibe," and "fundamentally a press conference that's been going for three years." She then cried briefly, apologized, and asked us not to use her name.

Respondent E was the Premier's communications director, who had apparently been sitting at the next table the whole time. He requested that we describe the survey as "unrepresentative" and noted that the Premier's actual position is "in the legislation," which he was unable to summarize when asked, citing time constraints.

The Alberta Advantage will continue its investigation. Next week: we ask five Albertans whether they would notice if the Sovereignty Act were repealed tomorrow.