While it is unclear whether Smith’s proposed referendum would pass legal challenge, Smith’s promise of a referendum later this year points to growing frustrations among Albertans over soaring immigration rates. “The changes we need to make to immigration are a significant departure from the status quo, and therefore, I am seeking a referendum mandate from Albertans to implement them,” Smith said. For those who are not eligible, the third referendum question proposes charging a fee to non-residents who use social support programs. Smith said she was broadly supportive of immigration into the province, saying Canada’s system had for years been a “huge strength” to Alberta and other provinces. In the second quarter of 2022, 32,090 residents came to Alberta from other provinces, the province’s most ever.

Source: National Post February 20, 2026 01:38 UTC