Alberta referendum puts five immigration proposals to voters

Alberta’s Oct. 19 referendum will ask voters to endorse five proposals for greater provincial control over immigration, including potentially limiting arrivals, prioritizing employment for Albertans and charging some nonpermanent residents for health care and education. The government says key rules and costs would be worked out later if voters approve the proposals, leaving their practical effects undefined before the vote. The immigration questions are among 10 on the ballot. The remaining questions address constitutional changes and whether Alberta should begin the legal process to hold a binding referendum on separation from Canada. The immigration proposals ask about setting provincial priorities for economic migration, eligibility for publicly funded programs, a possible 12-month residency requirement for some social supports, fees for health care and education, and proof of citizenship to vote in provincial elections. Premier Danielle Smith said the government has not decided whether any eventual changes would affect people already living in Alberta. She said the question would require cabinet discussion and would depend on whether voters give the government a mandate.