Politics · Canada · 2 hrs ago
Alberta referendum gives Smith a limited mandate on immigration
Alberta voters narrowly backed proposals to give the province more control over immigration, while rejecting constitutional changes, according to unofficial referendum results.
The vote involved nine questions put forward by Premier Danielle Smith as she sought more autonomy for Alberta from Canada’s federal government.
Four proposals on immigration were leading with 52% to 55% support, including measures that could limit some newcomers’ access to services or charge fees.
The results do not give Smith the strong mandate she sought, and critics say restricting services could make migrant workers and their families more vulnerable.
About 75% of voters opposed holding a binding vote on leaving Canada, rejecting the prospect of separation.
The results showed a sharp urban-rural divide: Edmonton voters opposed all nine proposals, while Calgary voters backed only the citizenship proof proposal; support was higher in midsize cities.
Smith said voters want the province to work with the federal government on immigration, and Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated openness to working with provinces.
Alberta’s referendum gave Premier Danielle Smith only a limited mandate to seek greater provincial control over immigration and other issues.
Unofficial results showed narrow majorities for four immigration proposals, while four constitutional proposals were below 50 per cent.
A proposal to require proof of citizenship at provincial election polls had 58 per cent support, the highest among the nine questions.
About 75 per cent of voters rejected holding a second, binding vote on leaving Canada.
Results showed a sharp urban-rural divide, with Edmonton voters rejecting all nine proposals.
- Who
- Alberta voters decided the referendum questions. Premier Danielle Smith had sought support for the proposals.
- What
- Voters considered proposals on immigration, constitutional changes, citizenship requirements at provincial polls and whether to hold a binding separation vote.
- When
- The referendum was held on Monday. Ballot counting continued on Thursday.
- Where
- Alberta, Canada.
- Why
- Smith presented the proposals as a way to give Alberta more control and obtain concessions from the federal government.
Alberta government and United Conservative party
Critics of the proposals
Access to services
Alberta government and United Conservative party
The government says rapid population growth has contributed to overcrowded, underfunded hospitals and schools and wants limits on some newcomers’ access to services.
Critics of the proposals
Critics say restricting healthcare, education and social support could make workers and their families more vulnerable without addressing the underlying causes.
Immigration and the economy
Alberta government and United Conservative party
Smith has blamed federal immigration policy for pressure on provincial services.
Critics of the proposals
Critics say Alberta relies on migrant workers to fill jobs and that limiting services could increase their vulnerability to exploitation.
Alberta held a referendum on immigration, constitutional issues and whether to hold a second, binding vote on separation.
Albertans rejected holding a second, binding vote on leaving Canada, with roughly 75 per cent preferring to remain in the country.
Smith told reporters that results in Calgary and Edmonton meant the province should proceed with caution.
Elections Alberta was still counting ballots, with 20 million counted and 99 per cent of voting areas accounted for by Thursday afternoon.
- Immigration proposals
- Four questions showed 52 to 55 per cent support in unofficial results by Thursday night.
- Citizenship proposal
- Requiring proof of citizenship at provincial election polls had 58 per cent support.
- Constitutional proposals
- Four proposals were below 50 per cent.
- Separation question
- Roughly 75 per cent preferred remaining in Canada to holding a second, binding vote.
- Edmonton
- A majority of voters rejected all nine proposals.
4 sources
Advocates flag contributions, not costs, of newcomers in Alberta referendum aftermath
Saskatchewan, Newfoundland push Ottawa for greater control over immigration
Alberta welcomed migrant workers. Now, it wants to restrict their rights
What people are saying
Let’s proceed with caution.
For every $1 of taxes a guest worker generates, taxpayers are covering $10 in services. This is not sustainable.
Scapegoating non-permanent residents is not going to lower the cost of living.
They keep essential services open. In many cases, they are frontline workers. And now they’re being treated as disposable.