Alberta referendum voting begins as experts question what results will mean

Albertans are voting on 10 referendum questions, with advance polling now open ahead of the main vote next week.

The first nine questions concern immigration and constitutional issues, while the last asks whether the provincial government should begin the legal process for a binding referendum on separating from Canada.

Premier Danielle Smith says she hopes voters will support the first nine questions to strengthen Alberta’s position in talks with the federal government.

Political scientist Grace Skogstad says some questions may be hard to interpret because they combine separate issues or concern powers Alberta does not control.

For example, changing the Senate would require the Senate’s approval, and one question combines fees for healthcare and education access for non-permanent residents.

Skogstad says Alberta’s concerns are mainly economic and could be addressed through government policy, but warns that the referendum process is disruptive and can divide the province.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has said separation would involve a long, uncertain process and is expected to visit Alberta to deliver a message of national unity.