Albertans will head to the polls on Oct. 19 to decide not only the province's future within Canada but also potential shifts in immigration and constitutional matters. The fall referendum features 10 questions, with an 11th possible if a petition against coal mining by musician Corb Lund is validated by Elections Alberta. Lund submitted his petition and signatures on Wednesday.
Separation Question Split Into Two Parts
In late May, Premier Danielle Smith announced a separation question on the ballot. The query asks: Should Alberta remain a province of Canada, or should the government begin the legal process under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding referendum on separation? Elections Alberta confirmed the question will be split into two options because it is not a simple yes or no.
- Option A: Alberta should remain a province in Canada.
- Option B: The Government of Alberta should commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether Alberta should separate from Canada.
Smith stated in a televised address that her government will respect the outcome of all referendum questions. If a majority votes for separation, the government will begin the process for a binding referendum. Smith has also appealed a Court of King’s Bench ruling that quashed a pro-independence citizen-led petition.
Immigration and Constitution Questions
Five immigration questions are on the ballot. If approved, they would give Smith and the UCP government a mandate to make key changes, including greater provincial control over immigration, restricting access to provincially funded services for certain immigrants, and charging fees for health care and education.
- Do you support the Government of Alberta taking increased control over immigration to decrease levels, prioritize economic migration, and give Albertans first priority on new jobs?
- Do you support a law mandating that only Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and those with Alberta-approved immigration status are eligible for provincially funded programs like health care, education, and social services?
- Do you support requiring individuals with non-permanent legal status to reside in Alberta for 12 months before qualifying for provincially funded social support programs?
- Do you support charging a reasonable fee or premium to individuals with non-permanent immigration status for their use of health care and education systems?
- Do you support a law requiring proof of citizenship—such as a passport, birth certificate, or citizenship card—to vote in Alberta provincial elections?
These questions aim to reshape Alberta's immigration landscape and constitutional stance, with significant implications for residents and newcomers alike.
