Alberta Prepares Referendum on Immigration and Secession

The Government of Alberta is preparing a 10-question referendum that asks voters to decide on the province's approach to immigration, constitutional changes, and the possibility of leaving Canada. Five of the ballot questions focus specifically on immigration, including whether the province should seek more control over immigration levels, decrease overall immigration, or charge some immigrants higher fees for education and health care. One proposal would require non-permanent legal residents to live in the province for one year before they can access social support.

Business leaders and economists warn that restricting immigration could worsen labor shortages and threaten major infrastructure projects, such as ports and pipelines. Mark Parsons of ATB Financial noted that an expanding workforce is necessary as baby boomers exit the labor market. Additionally, data shows that immigrants under 40 contributed a net $1 billion to provincial tax revenues in fiscal 2026.

These provincial efforts follow a broader national trend, as the Treasury Board of Canada began reducing permanent and temporary resident quotas in 2024, leading to the slowest population growth in 80 years. Critics argue the referendum may make the province less welcoming to international talent, potentially driving newcomers to other jurisdictions.