Listen to this article
Estimated 4 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Premier Danielle Smith wants to hold a referendum in October on measures to limit immigration to Alberta and changes she believes would give the province more rights under the Constitution.
In a 13-minute televised address Thursday evening, Smith said she wants Albertans to vote on nine questions on Oct. 19. She said the subject of each question was based on what the Alberta Next Panel heard the most when consulting with Albertans during town halls and through written submissions last year.
“The fact is, Alberta taxpayers can no longer be asked to continue to subsidize the entire country through equalization and federal transfers, permit the federal government to flood our borders with new arrivals and then give free access to our most-generous-in-the-country social programs to anyone who moves here,” Smith said.
“This is not only grossly unfair to Alberta taxpayers, but also financially crippling and undercuts the quality of our health care, education and other social services.”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s address to the province focused on a budget deficit, which she linked to low oil prices and federal immigration policies. During the address, she also announced a referendum will be held Oct. 19, posing questions around immigration and Canadian constitution amendments.
Smith’s address comes one week before Finance Minister Nate Horner tables the 2026 provincial budget which is expected to have a multibillion-dollar deficit.
Smith blamed the shortfall on low oil prices and “out-of-control federal immigration policies.”
While Alberta will need to make cuts, Smith said there will be no “drastic” slashing of social services. She said the provincial government will bring in more income testing for applicants and limit spending.
“We will instead be cutting unnecessary bureaucracy, improving efficiencies in program delivery, and prioritizing needs before wants as much as possible,” she said.
She outlined a three-part strategy in her address to deal with these deficits. They include doubling oil and gas production by 2035, getting a new pipeline built to the West Coast to access Asian markets and clamping down on immigration.
No essential service cuts in budget
October’s referendum will be held on non-constitutional and constitutional issues, the premier said.
The non-constitutional questions ask whether the province should take more control over immigration. Voters will be asked if they agree with the following proposals:
- Alberta taking more control over immigration, giving preference to economic migrants and giving Albertans “first priority to new employment opportunities”
- Granting eligibility for provincially funded programs in health, education and social services only to citizens, permanent residents and people with “an Alberta-approved immigration status”
- Setting up a one-year residency requirement before anyone who isn’t a citizen or permanent resident can qualify for provincial social support programs
- Charging people with non-permanent immigrant status a fee or premium to access health care and education
- Requiring proof of citizenship before an elector can cast a ballot in a provincial election
Smith also wants Albertans to weigh in on whether they “support the government of Alberta proactively working with other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution.”
Those proposed amendments include allowing provinces to choose justices for their superior courts; abolishing the Senate, permitting provinces to drop out of federal programs dealing with health, education and social services while still receiving federal funding, and giving provincial laws priority over conflicting federal legislation in areas of provincial or shared Constitutional authority.
Smith blamed what she called the “disastrous open-border immigration policies” of former prime minister Justin Trudeau for straining Alberta’s health care, education and social services programs.
Smith did not mention her government’s “Alberta is Calling campaign,” a yearslong push to attract skilled workers from other provinces.
Alberta’s Official Opposition NDP plans to react to Smith’s speech on Friday morning.
While Smith’s televised address did not provide an opportunity for reporters to ask questions, Smith has scheduled a news conference in Calgary on Friday.
