Alberta Premier Danielle Smith appears in this file photo taken in 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced Thursday evening that her government plans to hold a province-wide referendum on Oct. 19. Voters will decide on nine questions related to immigration policy and proposed constitutional changes.
In a 13-minute televised address, Smith said the questions reflect concerns raised by Albertans during town halls and written submissions collected by the Alberta Next Panel.
“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.”
Budget Deficit and Economic Pressures
Smith delivered her remarks one week before the province is set to release its 2026 budget. Finance Minister Nate Horner is expected to table a budget that includes a significant deficit.
The premier linked the shortfall to low oil prices and what she described as “out-of-control federal immigration policies.” She ruled out tax increases and major cuts to social services but said the province will reduce spending in other areas.
“We will instead be cutting unnecessary bureaucracy, improving efficiencies in program delivery, and prioritizing needs before wants as much as possible,” she said.
Smith outlined a three-part plan to address Alberta’s financial challenges. The strategy includes increasing oil and gas production by 2035, building a pipeline to the West Coast to reach Asian markets, and tightening immigration rules within the province.
Immigration Proposals
Several referendum questions focus directly on immigration. Voters will be asked whether Alberta should take greater control over who enters the province. Proposed measures include giving preference to economic migrants and ensuring Albertans receive first priority for new job opportunities.
Other proposals suggest limiting access to provincially funded programs such as health care, education, and social services to citizens, permanent residents, and individuals with what Smith called “an Alberta-approved immigration status.” The premier did not clarify how that status would be defined.
The referendum would also ask whether non-citizens and non-permanent residents should wait one year before qualifying for provincial social supports. Another question proposes charging people with temporary status a fee to access health care and education. Voters will also consider whether proof of citizenship should be required before casting a ballot in provincial elections.
Constitutional Changes
Smith also wants Albertans to weigh in on potential constitutional amendments. She proposes working with other provinces to pursue changes that would give provinces greater authority.
These proposals include allowing provinces to select superior court judges, abolishing the Senate, and permitting provinces to opt out of federal programs in health, education, and social services while still receiving funding. Another proposal seeks to give provincial laws priority over conflicting federal laws in certain areas.
Legal experts note that constitutional changes would require agreement from multiple provinces and, in some cases, unanimous consent across the country.
Mixed Reactions
Some observers question whether the referendum can achieve the intended goals. Immigration consultant Daniel Briere said he does not believe temporary workers misuse public services. “People that come here as workers, they work, they pay taxes like you and I and they're eligible to go to see the doctor,” he said. “I don't see any any problem with that.”
Gerard Kennedy, a constitutional law professor at the University of Alberta, said the federal government does not have to act on the results of a provincial referendum. He added that major amendments would face significant legal and political hurdles.
Alberta’s Opposition is expected to respond in the coming days. Smith has scheduled a news conference in Calgary to answer questions.
