Separation, immigration, the Constitution: A look at Alberta’s referendum questions

Edmonton - Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is proposing 10 questions to be put to a provincewide referendum on Monday. The questions aim to address immigration, immigration-related services, and the Canadian Constitution.

Question 1 asks if Albertans support the government taking more control over immigration to reduce overall levels, prioritize economic migrants, and give Albertans first pick at job opportunities. Premier Smith wants Alberta to have a similar agreement as Quebec, allowing the province to set its own eligibility criteria for economic migrants. She aims for a "normal" and "sustainable" immigration rate lower than one percent of the population, or around 50,000 newcomers per year.

Question 2 inquires if Albertans agree with a law mandating eligibility for provincial-funded programs, like healthcare and education, is limited to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and individuals with approved immigration status. The government argues that rapid population growth has put a strain on public services, with temporary residents costing the province over a billion dollars in health care, education, and social services.

Question 3 asks if Albertans support requiring non-permanent legal immigrants to live in the province for at least a year before qualifying for social support programs. The government has not specified which programs would be affected, but critics warn that such a measure could violate the Canada Health Act and equality provisions in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Question 4 asks if Albertans agree with charging non-permanent immigrants a reasonable fee or premium for using provincial health care and education services. The government has not set a potential fee, but Premier Smith suggested it could be as high as $1,900. Education leaders oppose restricting access to schooling, claiming it conflicts with internationally agreed children's rights.

Question 5 asks if Albertans support requiring citizens to provide proof of citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate, or citizenship card, to vote in provincial elections. Currently, only Canadian citizens can vote, and both Elections Canada and Elections Alberta have reported few cases of ineligible voting. Smith claims this measure is about ensuring the integrity of provincial elections, but critics argue it could lead to longer lines and potential bias based on race or ethnicity.

Question 6 proposes working with other willing provinces and the federal government to amend the Canadian Constitution, granting provincial governments the authority to select judges for provincial King's Bench and Appeal courts instead of the federal government. If approved, this would only commit Alberta's government to collaborate with other provinces and federal lawmakers to change the Constitution, but it would still require approval from seven provincial legislatures representing 50% of Canada's population and both the House of Commons and Senate in Ottawa.

Question 7 asks if Albertans agree with working with other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution to abolish the unelected Senate of Canada. The amendment would only commit Alberta's government to work with other provinces and federal lawmakers to change the Constitution, but it would require approval from the same bodies as Question 6.