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‘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.
66 Articles
66 Articles
Canada: Alberta plans referendum to wrest control over immigration from government
Alberta will hold a fall referendum on limiting new international students, temporary foreign workers, and asylum seekers, signaling a push for provincial control over immigration. Premier Danielle Smith cited budget pressures and rapid population growth, including interprovincial migration, as reasons for the move. The province aims to seek a public mandate for potential changes to provincial programs.
Alberta premier to put immigration, Constitution questions on referendum
Premier Danielle Smith says in a televised address that her government is putting nine questions to a provincewide referendum on Oct. 19, including proposals to restrict social services from some immigrants. Smith says she's not afraid of direct democracy and trusts the judgment of Albertans. (Feb. 19, 2026)
Carney’s new challenge: Canada’s oil-rich Alberta eyes control over immigration, plans referendum
Alberta is set to hold a high stakes referendum this autumn to determine if the province should limit the number of new international students, temporary workers, and asylum seekers.
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