Alberta Announces Referendum on Immigration, Autonomy

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced Thursday that the province will hold a referendum on October 19 to gauge public support for tightening immigration policies and pursuing constitutional changes to strengthen provincial autonomy within Canada.

In a televised address to residents, Smith outlined nine specific questions for voters. The first five focus on immigration, a federal jurisdiction where provinces like Quebec already exercise significant control. Voters will be asked if they support Alberta assuming greater authority over immigration to reduce levels to sustainable ones, emphasizing economic migrants and prioritizing local residents for job opportunities. Other questions propose limiting eligibility for provincially funded services, such as health care and education, to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and those with Alberta-approved immigration status. Non-permanent residents would face a 12-month residency requirement before accessing social support programs and could be charged fees for health and education services. A fifth question seeks approval for requiring proof of citizenship, like a passport or birth certificate, to vote in provincial elections.