She wants Alberta to stay in Canada. Her mom will vote to leave

No topic is off-limits for this mother and daughter but recently some strain over separatism. Katrina wants Alberta to stay in Canada but most of her family, including her mom Gabriel, is voting for a second binding referendum on independence. She has a right to her feelings and opinions and I feel I have a right to mine. It's a little bit isolating obviously. It's a bit anxiety inducing at times. The tight-knit pair often check in with themselves before diving into the issue. Do I have the emotional, mental capacity for this? So we try not to get into each other's spaces where she feels uncomfortable or I feel uncomfortable. But that doesn't mean it's always easy. Are family dinners or family functions, are they awkward? Awkward, no. Tense, probably yes. They're not alone. Recent polling shows nearly a quarter of those surveyed say conversations about separatism have strained relationships. Close to 40 percent say they've avoided bringing it up over worries it could lead to an argument. Numbers concerning to this pollster. I think they reflect the reality of a moment that's highly emotionally charged on both sides and what can happen when that gets in between a relationship. This psychologist says open communication and boundaries are critical. Try to listen openly and respectfully and don't let any kind of political disagreements really define your relationship. Katrina and Gabriel admit things have been tense, but both promise not to let politics come between them. I know that we still love each other at the end of the day. We can have conversations, which I think is so important. Politicians change and political parties change, but my family doesn't. Sentiments they hope resonate with other Albertans. No matter the outcome of Monday's vote, there's still the question of what, if anything, could heal the deep divide or whether division will linger. Julia Wong, CBC News, Calgary.