US Edition‘Increased control over immigration?’ Nine questions on Alberta referendum in October
Premier Smith links rapid population growth and federal immigration policies to budget deficits and social service strain, proposing nine referendum questions for Albertans' input.
- Premier Danielle Smith announced in a televised address recently that Alberta will hold a provincewide referendum on Oct. 19 to ask nine questions about immigration and constitutional changes.
- Because lower oil prices and rising service costs have strained finances, Smith linked the referendum to at least a $6.4 billion deficit and noted concerns from last year’s Alberta Next panel, which shaped the questions.
- Specific measures include whether Alberta should take increased control of immigration, prioritize economic migrants, limit provincially funded programs to citizens, permanent residents or Alberta-approved immigration status, and impose a 12 months residency rule and fees for non-permanent residents.
- Smith scheduled a news conference in Calgary on Thursday, and the NDP plans a response Friday morning, as the 2026 provincial budget is set for next week.
- Framed as a bid to strengthen provincial rights, Smith said the referendum seeks public direction on Alberta’s constitutional position, while Bruce McAllister’s Wednesday comments sparked criticism and calls for an economic immigration debate.
45 Articles
45 Articles
Alberta to hold referendum on ‘out-of-control’ immigration amid strain on social services, budget: Smith
The Alberta government intends to hold a referendum on immigrants’ status, their access to social services and federal influence over provincial laws and services in October this year.
Alberta Premier Announces Referendum on Immigration, Constitutional Changes
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the province will hold a referendum this October seeking a mandate to pursue sweeping changes on immigration as it relates to Alberta, as well as changes to the Constitution. Smith made the comments during a provincial address on the evening of Feb. 19, saying the referendum is necessary because current immigration levels are straining Alberta’s health care, education, and infrastructure and are not sustainabl…
Bowen Island Undercurrent
Alberta's Smith to put immigration, Constitution questions on fall referendum
EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's government is putting nine questions to a provincewide referendum on Oct. 19, including proposals to restrict social services from some immigrants.
Canada's Alberta to Hold Referendum on New Restrictions for Immigrants
(Bloomberg) — The Canadian province of Alberta will hold a referendum on restricting immigration and reducing newcomers’ access to public services as it grapples with falling crude prices and a growing budget shortfall.
The Straits Times
The Star Kuala LumpurAlberta plans referendum to wrest control over immigration from Canadian government
CALGARY, Feb 19 - Alberta will hold a referendum this fall to ask residents if its government should limit the number of new international students, temporary foreign workers and asylum seekers arriving in the oil-rich Canadian province. Read more at straitstimes.com.
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