Alberta Referendum: Smith Defends October Vote on Immigration and Constitution

CALGARY, AB — Premier Danielle Smith is standing firm on her referendum gambit. Announced this week, the province-wide vote scheduled for October 19 will ask Albertans to weigh in on sweeping immigration controls and constitutional rewrites—just as multi-billion-dollar budget deficits loom on the horizon.

The timing is no accident. Finance Minister Nate Horner tables the 2026 budget next Thursday, and Smith has already blamed 'out-of-control federal immigration policies' for straining health care, education, and social services. The referendum, she argues, is Alberta's chance to reclaim control.

What's on the Ballot

The referendum includes multiple questions. On immigration, voters will decide whether Alberta should take increased control to decrease immigration levels, prioritize economic migration, and ensure Albertans have first priority for employment. Another question proposes an 'Alberta-approved immigration status'—modeled after Quebec's system—that would let the province select economic migrants.

Other ballot items get granular: Should only Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and those with Alberta-approved status qualify for provincially funded programs like health care, education, and social services? Should non-permanent residents wait 12 months before accessing social support? Should the province charge fees or premiums for non-permanent residents using health and education systems?

On the constitutional side, voters will be asked if Alberta should work with other provinces to amend the Constitution. Proposals include letting provinces select justices for King's Bench and appeal courts, abolishing the Senate, and giving provincial laws priority over federal ones in shared jurisdictions.

There's also a voter ID question: Should proof of citizenship be required to vote in provincial elections?

The Setup

Smith launched the Alberta Next Panel on June 24, 2025, tasking it with recommending actions to boost Alberta's sovereignty. On December 19, the panel delivered its first seven recommendations, including referenda on leaving the Canada Pension Plan, increasing provincial immigration control, and specific constitutional changes.

The referendum threshold was lowered in 2025 under the Citizen Initiative Act—now just 10% of votes cast in the last general election, or 177,732 signatures, can trigger a province-wide vote. Amendments to the Referendum Act last July clarified that referenda can be stand-alone events and added provisions for emergencies.

The Pushback

CUPE Alberta came out swinging on February 20, condemning the referendum as an 'anti-immigrant' distraction from what it calls government mismanagement of public services. The union called for a provincial election instead.

Meanwhile, the 2025-26 budget allocated $23.2 million over three years for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program and $10.7 million for workforce integration grants—modest sums compared to the deficits Smith says are coming.

The Stakes

Smith is framing this as a sovereignty play. Critics see it as political theatre timed to deflect from fiscal pain. Either way, October 19 will test whether Albertans buy what she's selling—or whether they want a different conversation altogether.