Alberta Referendum
2026
On October 19th Albertans will head to the polls to vote on 10 different questions about immigration, constitution, and separation.
What to expect: once you verify your identity, you'll receive 10 colour-coded ballots with one question each. After you vote, you'll put each ballot into the matching coloured box.
10 questions can feel like a lot. This article is a launch pad for your own research so you can be ready before you go.
Why it's hard to talk about the referendum:
Like with so many political discussions, there is little agreement between the opposing sides, sometimes even about the basic facts.
For example, the Government of Alberta has a website with background for each question. They have an obvious bias towards which way they want you to vote, and they don't provide links to easily fact-check the numbers they provide. An opposing group, Public Interest Alberta, has a website with their own account of the facts, which often vary widely from the official government's website. They also have not yet provided links to sources to back up all their numbers. If you want to be an informed voter, it can feel hard to figure out what's actually fact and what's opinion. Turning to social media for answers doesn't really help make it any clearer.
Because it's a little bit complicated, we believe that it's worth investigating what each side has to say, identifying bias, asking critical questions, checking facts, and trusting our gut. We believe it's possible to successfully make a decision in line with facts, our values, and our experiences--even if it takes a second to sort through it and arrive at your decision.
To help kick start your research, here are the ballot questions and main arguments from each side.
Note: Groups that encourage citizens to vote a certain way are required to register as a TPA or Third-Party Advertiser. Many of them discuss the separation question. Only a few of them discuss the other nine questions. We'll link their resources here. If we've missed any resources that would add constructively to this discussion, please email us at youngalbertapodcast@gmail.com with a link.
Question 1
Do you support the Government of Alberta taking increased control over immigration for the purposes of decreasing immigration to more sustainable levels, prioritizing economic migration and giving Albertans first priority on new employment opportunities?
Background:
-
The Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre explains what the temporary foreign worker program is.
-
The Globe and Mail reported on how Alberta is already approaching the temporary foreign worker program.
-
According to the Government of Alberta, voting yes means "Alberta's priority is to support sustainable immigration levels through effective planning, targeting skilled-labour shortages that cannot be filled by Albertans or Canadians first."
No Votes:
Public Interest Alberta argues that the government got its facts about temporary foreign workers wrong:
Alberta's Voice argues that "immigrants should be free to choose where they want to make their lives. By choosing Alberta, immigrants choose to grow our economy and contribute to our unique culture."
Question 2
Do you support the Government of Alberta introducing a law mandating that only Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals with an Alberta-approved immigration status will be eligible for provincially-funded programs, such as health care, education and other social services?
Background:
-
Global News reported on changes to health care for temporary foreign workers earlier this year.
-
According to the Government of Alberta: "Currently, the provincial government is only allowed to nominate 6,500 people for permanent residency to target Alberta's labour market needs. The federal government selects all other immigrants, including temporary workers. Over the last three years (2023–2025), the federal government has permitted 400,000 temporary residents and asylum seekers from foreign countries to enter Alberta. Tens of thousands more have moved to Alberta after first entering through other provinces. The Alberta government will work with employers and other groups to develop a system where we determine the workers our economy actually needs."
-
The website also states that the Alberta government would "distinguish between the temporary residents it has approved and those it has not. Those it does not approve would not be eligible to receive certain provincial benefits."
Yes Votes:
The Government of Alberta argues that the cost of provincially-funded programs for temporary residents is over $1 billion per year:
Alberta Women for Independence argue that these changes would help the province meet its promises to immigrants by keeping infrastructure from being overwhelmed:
No Votes:
Public Interest Alberta argues that the government got its cost estimate for temporary residents wrong and that they already essentially pay for the services they receive:
Alberta's Voice argues that these social programs are human rights and that everyone should have access to them, regardless of immigration status:
Question 3
Assuming that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents continue to qualify for social support programs as they do now, do you support the Government of Alberta introducing a law requiring all individuals with a non-permanent legal immigration status to reside in Alberta for at least 12 months before qualifying for any provincially-funded social support programs?
Background:
-
According to the Government of Alberta, "Temporary residents are eligible to receive taxpayer-funded health-care services, enroll in the K-12 education system, the Alberta Child and Family Benefit, the Alberta Child Care Subsidy, student aid, and other smaller programs. A number of other social programs like AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) and income support (welfare) are already not available to temporary residents."
-
They also explain that "None of these options affect those with permanent resident status. The Canada Health Act does not require provinces to insure temporary residents. As is the case with visitors to Alberta, emergency health care would still be provided."
-
Alberta.ca explains what health care is currently available to temporary residents and temporary foreign workers.
-
The insurance agency MacLellan Moffatt explains what health care and health insurance options are available for temporary foreign workers in all provinces.
Yes Votes:
The Government of Alberta argues that this law would be in line with laws of other provinces like Ontario and countries like the UK:
Alberta Women for Independence argue that these changes could help the province keep social services at a financially sustainable level so they can continue to serve Albertans for generations:
No Votes:
Public Interest Alberta argues that the strain on these social services is not due to increased use by immigrants but because of government mismanagement:
Alberta's Voice argues that this law would make Alberta unattractive to students, skilled workers, and employers who need foreign talent:
Question 4
Assuming that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents continue to qualify for public health care and education as they do now, do you support the Government of Alberta charging a reasonable fee or premium to individuals with a non-permanent immigration status living in Alberta for their and their family's use of the health care and education systems?
Background:
-
According to the Government of Alberta, temporary residents would be "charged a fee (tuition/premium) to access public education or health care so long as their status remains temporary."
-
Their website also clarifies that "the amount of the premium or fee in question would be determined by the Alberta Legislature after the referendum."
Yes Votes:
The Government of Alberta argues that this option would help make these services more sustainable, accessible, and affordable:
Alberta Women for Independence argue that because there are other insurance options for people temporarily visiting Canada, this could ensure financial sustainability until those individuals have contributed enough taxes to meaningfully support their health care:
Question 5
Do you support the Government of Alberta introducing a law requiring individuals to provide proof of citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate or citizenship card, to vote in an Alberta provincial election?
Background:
-
Currently, Elections Alberta requires either one piece of government ID, two pieces of other ID with your full name and at least one with your address, or an attestation form:
-
Proof of Canadian citizenship is already required when registering to vote in a federal election:
-
The Government of Alberta explains they are already adding a citizenship indicator to drivers licenses and other ID which will be accepted as proof during provincial elections.
Yes Votes:
The Government of Alberta argues that this option will help make sure that only citizens will be able to vote in elections, as is law:
Alberta Women for Independence share a personal experience when an error in the system provided a non-citizen family member a voter card and how this option would protect the integrity of the system:
No Votes:
Public Interest Alberta does not yet have an FAQ about proving citizenship in order to vote:
Alberta's Voice argues that "there is absolutely zero evidence that immigrants who are unable to vote are doing so. Citizenship is already required, and this would slow down voting lines for everyone":
Question 6
Do you support the Government of Alberta working with the governments of other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution to have provincial governments, and not the federal government, select the justices appointed to provincial King's Bench and Appeal courts?
Background:
-
Alberta Courts explains how Alberta's judiciary is structured.
-
Earlier this year Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Quebec leaders wrote a letter requesting this amendment to the constitution. CBC reported on the federal government's response.
-
Quebec and Alberta have passed motions for these proposed constitutional changes.
Yes Votes:
The Government of Alberta argues that "this would allow Alberta's government to fill empty seats faster with qualified candidates, ensure Albertans have a meaningful voice in appointments that shape how justice is delivered in their communities and support a more transparent and accountable process while reinforcing judicial independence."
Alberta Women for Independence argue that this change would help choose judges that rule in line with Alberta law and Alberta values:
No Votes:
Public Interest Alberta argues that these potential constitutional negotiations are distractions from bigger issues like healthcare, education, and economy:
Alberta's Voice argues that "we need one legal system, consistent across Canada, to ensure our rights and freedoms are not infringed. This creates a separate path with the potential for different outcomes in Alberta alone":
Question 7
Do you support the Government of Alberta working with the governments of other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution to abolish the unelected federal Senate?
Background:
-
Bridge City News interviewed the Aristotle Foundation about representation by province in the Canadian Senate, and why some Albertans feel it's unfair.
-
My MP gives a brief explanation of the Canadian Senate with a chart of seats by province.
-
The Senate Government Representative's Office explains a partial history of the Senate.
Yes Votes:
The Government of Alberta argues that Alberta is underrepresented in the Senate, and that its senators are appointed with no regard for Alberta's Senate election process:
Alberta Women for Independence argue that the current Senate makeup favours the eastern half of the country and does not serve the needs of western provinces:
No Votes:
Public Interest Alberta does not comment on this question specifically but argues that this is a political distraction from more important issues:
Alberta's Voice argues that this question "gives voters no concrete problem that Senate abolition would solve, no replacement for the Senate's role as a national check, and no realistic constitutional path for getting every province and Parliament to agree":
Question 8
Do you support the Government of Alberta working with the governments of other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution to allow provinces to opt out of federal programs that intrude on provincial jurisdiction such as health care, education and social services, without a province losing any of the associated federal funding for use in its social programs?
Background:
-
The Government of Alberta clarifies what this question is intending to address: "when federal funding is offered to the provinces, it often comes with strings attached. By threatening to withhold a province's fair share of funding, the federal government can indirectly dictate what a province does within its areas of jurisdiction. Allowing provinces to opt out of Ottawa's programs in provincial jurisdiction with full compensation allows each province to tailor services to the needs of their population."
-
The Government of Canada explains the four major federal transfers to provinces and territories: the Canada Health Transfer, the Canada Social Transfer, Equalization, and Territorial Formula Financing.
Yes Votes:
The Government of Alberta argues the federal government oversteps it constitutional powers in regards to natural resources, environment, infrastructure, health care, and social services:
Alberta Women for Independence explain how the government can withhold funding for healthcare and social services over political disagreements:
No Votes:
Public Interest Alberta questions whether programs like Child Care Subsidy, the National School Food Program, and mental health services will continue if Alberta is allowed to choose where it spends its money, no strings attached:
Alberta's Voice argues that some federal transfers come with conditions in order to maintain consistent health care and social programs across provinces. "Allowing every province to opt out while keeping full funding would mean provinces could take the money, reject those standards, and run entirely separate systems without the common protections those programs were meant to provide."
Question 9
Do you support the Government of Alberta working with the governments of other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution to better protect provincial rights from federal interference by giving a province's laws dealing with provincial or shared areas of constitutional jurisdiction priority over federal laws when the province's laws and federal laws conflict?
Background:
-
Read more about the Canadian constitution at the Government of Canada's website.
-
The Government of Canada explains the general constitutional distribution of legislative powers.
-
The Library of Parliament provides a detailed look into the distribution of legislative powers.
Yes Votes:
The Government of Alberta argues that the federal government passes laws that conflict with Albertans' needs and override what elected provincial legislatures are trying to accomplish. Voting yes would shift the power default to the provinces when there is a conflict:
Alberta Women for Independence explains the principle of good governance that the government that is closest to the people is easier to be held accountable:
No Votes:
Public Interest Alberta does not address this question specifically, but argues that Albertans don't want years of constitutional negotiations, they want elected officials to get back to governing:
Alberta's Voice argues that the current system exists for a reason. "Giving provinces default priority over federal law would not create clarity. It would create permanent disputes over whose rules apply, especially in areas like immigration, environment, agriculture, and natural resources where powers already overlap."
Question 10
Should Alberta remain a province of Canada, or should the Government of Alberta commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada?
Background:
-
There will be two options to choose from on this ballot:
-
Option 1: Alberta should remain a province of Canada.
-
Option 2: The Government of Alberta should commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada.
-
-
The Government of Alberta explains: "The referendum question does not directly trigger Alberta separating from Canada. However, if the option to begin the process to hold a binding provincial referendum receives support from the majority of Albertans, the government would start the legal processes necessary to hold a binding referendum on separation at a later date."
-
This question was added to the referendum because under Alberta's Citizen Initiative law, Albertans can request a referendum if they get the required number of petition signatures (10% of votes cast in previous provincial election, 177,732 in this case) within four months. This was successfully accomplished, triggering the referendum question.