Alberta Premier Announces Referendum on Immigration and Constitutional Changes

Edmonton, Alberta – Premier Danielle Smith announced a provincial referendum scheduled for October 19, 2026, addressing immigration policies and potential changes to Canada’s Constitution. The announcement, made during a televised address on February 19, 2026, comes as Alberta prepares to unveil its budget next week, anticipating a significant deficit due to lower oil prices .

Referendum Details

The referendum will present Albertans with nine questions, stemming from feedback gathered during the Alberta Next Panel’s town halls and online submissions last year. Smith stated the aim is to determine how Albertans want the government to address immigration and strengthen the province’s constitutional and fiscal position within Canada .

Immigration Questions

The first five questions focus on immigration policy:

1. Do you support the Government of Alberta taking increased control over immigration to decrease levels, prioritize economic migration, and deliver Albertans first priority on new employment opportunities?
2. Do you support limiting provincially-funded programs (healthcare, education, social services) to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and those with Alberta-approved immigration status?
3. Do you support requiring a 12-month residency in Alberta for individuals with non-permanent legal immigration status before they qualify for provincial social support programs?
4. Do you support charging fees to individuals with non-permanent immigration status for their use of Alberta’s healthcare and education systems?
5. Do you support requiring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or citizenship card) to vote in Alberta provincial elections?

Constitutional Questions

The remaining four questions address potential constitutional amendments:

1. Do you support Alberta working with other provinces to amend the Constitution to allow provincial governments to select justices for provincial King’s Bench and Appeal courts?
2. Do you support Alberta working with other provinces to abolish the federal Senate?
3. Do you support Alberta working with other provinces to amend the Constitution to allow provinces to opt out of federal programs without losing funding?
4. Do you support Alberta working with other provinces to amend the Constitution to prioritize provincial laws over federal laws in areas of provincial or shared jurisdiction?

Financial Concerns and Criticism

Smith argued that Alberta taxpayers are unfairly burdened by subsidizing the rest of Canada through equalization and federal transfers, while also absorbing the costs of increased social services for newcomers . She also noted that a $1 drop in oil prices equates to roughly $750 million less in royalties for the province.

However, Mount Royal political scientist Lori Williams challenged the assertion that immigration is the primary cause of the budget deficit, stating it creates a “distorted picture” of the situation . Bradley Lafortune, executive director of Public Interest Alberta, described the move as a “Trump-style” attempt to shift blame away from the government and towards newcomers .

Population Growth and Federal Policy

Alberta experienced a significant population surge in 2023, increasing by 202,324 residents – the largest annual increase in the province’s history . While growth has slowed in 2024 and 2025, Smith blames previous federal policies for the rapid influx, alleging a focus on international students, temporary workers, and asylum seekers rather than economic migrants .

The province’s population reached over five million people, prompting discussions about the sustainability of current social services, and infrastructure.