How Canada’s fractured immigration consensus is starting to show up at ballot boxes

Canada’s long-standing consensus on immigration is being tested as the country grapples with a surge in new arrivals following the pandemic and rising affordability concerns. In Quebec, the Parti Québécois has been elected on a platform of tighter immigration controls, which they argue is essential to protect French culture and alleviate pressure on public services and housing.

Alberta is also facing its own political divide over immigration. With the upcoming referendum on separation from Canada, Albertans will be presented with five supplementary questions on immigration, each designed to narrow the government's decision-making process. Premier Danielle Smith’s government wants increased control over economic immigration, the restriction of provincially funded services to citizens, permanent residents, and those deemed "Alberta-approved," additional fees for non-permanent immigrants accessing healthcare and education, and residency requirements before accessing social supports. Furthermore, Smith is pushing for proof of citizenship to be required for provincial voting.

Immigration expert Jason Kenney advocates for a more serious and evidence-based conversation about immigration policy, emphasizing that demography is destiny and that decisions should be based on facts. Nevertheless, there are concerns that the immigration questions on the Alberta ballot could fuel xenophobia and racism. Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney warned that such debates can easily devolve into more extreme political views, with accusations of racism from the far left and actual racism on the far right.

Some diaspora communities in Alberta are opposed to the immigration-related ballot questions, fearing they target them and their long-established roots in the province. Lawyer Avnish Nanda, co-founder of the advocacy group Our Alberta Advantage, is urging voters to reject the immigration questions, citing the negative reactions from cultural communities and potential support from separatist elements.

Nanda expressed fear, confusion, and anger among the community, believing these measures are linked to the separatist effort led by Premier Smith.

In contrast, Quebec's new minority Parti Québécois government campaigned on a pledge to tighten immigration controls, with the incoming government aiming to strengthen existing restrictions. Political scientist Catherine Xhardez notes that the debate in Quebec is primarily centered around identity and culture, while the Alberta debate is driven by populist concerns about social service shortages.

Smith's government is seeking a bargaining chip in its negotiations with Ottawa, as they want to assert their influence on immigration policy.