Alberta Leaders Urge Voters to Reject October Referendum

A coalition of former and current Alberta political leaders and a human rights lawyer are urging citizens to reject 10 referendum questions scheduled for a vote on October 19. The group specifically targets five questions regarding immigration, arguing that four of these measures would establish a "caste system" by restricting access to healthcare, education, and social supports for immigrants and their children. A fifth immigration-related question proposes requiring proof of citizenship at the time of voting.

Rachel Notley, the former Premier of Alberta, co-authored the call to reject the measures alongside other leaders and human rights lawyer Avnish Nanda. The group claims that Premier Danielle Smith introduced the referendum to distract the public from a $9.4-billion deficit and the United Conservative Party's record on public services.

Beyond immigration, the referendum includes questions regarding Alberta's independence and grievances with federal institutions, including the judiciary and the Senate. The opposing group argues that voters must reject these proposals to preserve Alberta's tradition of welcoming newcomers and to ensure the province remains part of Canada.