Alberta to hold provincial referendum on immigration, constitutional reform

Albertans will vote Oct. 19 on a series of immigration and constitutional reform questions in a provincial referendum the government says is aimed at strengthening Alberta’s sovereignty within Canada.

The referendum follows recommendations from the Alberta Next Panel, which was struck to gather feedback on how the province could chart a more independent course while remaining in a united Canada.

Premier Danielle Smith said the vote will give residents a direct say on issues she described as critical to Alberta’s future.

“Alberta’s future must be shaped by the people who live and work here,” Smith said in a statement. “This referendum gives Albertans the opportunity to have a direct say on immigration and constitutional questions that affect our economy, our public services and our province’s future.”

Justice Minister and Attorney General Mickey Amery said the government is seeking direction from Albertans on matters that affect daily life across the province.

“It is critical that we receive direction from Albertans on these issues that directly impact the daily life of everyone in our province,” Amery said. “This referendum is a tangible way that we are prioritizing the needs of citizens and making Alberta stronger.”

The government said questions will focus on what it calls pressures created by federal immigration policies in recent years, including impacts on classrooms, emergency rooms and social supports.

Among the non-constitutional questions, voters will be asked whether they support Alberta taking increased control over immigration to reduce overall numbers to what the province deems sustainable levels, prioritize economic migration and give Albertans priority in new employment opportunities.

Other questions would seek support for legislation limiting access to provincially funded programs — such as health care and education — to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals with Alberta-approved immigration status. Voters will also be asked whether those with non-permanent legal status should be required to reside in Alberta for at least 12 months before qualifying for provincially funded social support programs.

Another proposed measure would allow the province to charge what it describes as a reasonable fee or premium to individuals with non-permanent immigration status for their family’s use of the health-care and education systems.

Albertans will also be asked whether voters in provincial elections should be required to provide proof of citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate or citizenship card.

On constitutional matters, the government is seeking support to work with other provinces to amend the Constitution so provincial governments, rather than the federal government, would appoint judges to provincial King’s Bench and Appeal courts.

Other constitutional questions ask whether Albertans support working with other provinces to abolish the unelected Senate; allow provinces to opt out of federal programs in areas of provincial jurisdiction without losing associated federal funding; and give provincial laws priority over federal laws in areas of shared or provincial constitutional jurisdiction when the two conflict.

The referendum questions will require voters to answer “yes” or “no.”