How should Alberta handle immigration policy? And what changes, if any, should voters demand in the October referendum?

Alberta’s premier has announced a province-wide referendum on October 19, asking voters to weigh in on several proposed changes to immigration policy and social services eligibility as part of a broader debate about population growth and strain on health care, schools, and other public systems.

Although the final referendum questions aren’t formally finalized, the province has outlined several proposals that Albertans are expected to vote on this fall, including whether the government should:

• Take increased control over immigration and prioritize economic migrants while lowering overall levels;

• Limit provincially funded health care, education, and social services to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and those with an “Alberta-approved” status;

• Require non-permanent residents to live in Alberta for at least 12 months before qualifying for social supports;

• Charge a reasonable fee or premium for non-permanent status residents to use public health and education systems; and

• Require proof of citizenship (like a passport or birth certificate) to vote in provincial elections.

Some critics have raised concerns about potential impacts on temporary foreign workers and local labour markets, while supporters argue Albertans should have more say over how immigration affects public services.

This poll is now closed.