Albertans want their concerns heard, while remaining part of a united Canada

By Mario Prusina Times Editor

Albertans have voted decisively in favour of remaining part of Canada, while also signalling support for several proposed changes to provincial immigration policies, following the Oct. 19 provincial referendum.

Official results released by Elections Alberta on Oct. 29 show that 74.95 per cent of voters supported Alberta remaining a province within Canada, compared to 25.05 per cent who supported the government beginning the legal process required to hold a future binding referendum on separation.

The referendum included 10 questions covering immigration, access to provincially-funded services, voting requirements and proposed constitutional changes.

Chestermere-Strathmore MLA Chantelle de Jonge said the results demonstrate that Albertans want their concerns taken seriously while maintaining their place in Canada.

“The referendum has highlighted that Albertans want their concerns taken seriously,” said de Jonge. “They want Alberta’s future to remain within a strong and united Canada, but they’re also tired of federal decisions that have too often come at the expense of our economy.”

Voter turnout reached 70.4 per cent on Question 10, representing more than 2.2 million ballots cast. Elections Alberta reported that turnout was higher than the 60.5 per cent recorded during the 2023 provincial general election.

While the separation-related question produced the clearest result, the other questions revealed support for several of the provincial government’s proposed policy directions.

All five questions dealing with immigration, access to provincially-funded programs and voting requirements received majority support.

Among them, 54.86 per cent supported Alberta taking increased control over immigration, while 52.46 per cent supported restricting eligibility for provincially-funded programs, including health care, education and social services, to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals with an Alberta-approved immigration status.

A further 53.12 per cent supported a 12-month Alberta residency requirement for non-permanent residents seeking certain provincially-funded social support programs. Another 51.78 per cent supported charging reasonable fees or premiums to non-permanent residents for their use of health care and education services.

The strongest support among the five questions came for requiring proof of citizenship to vote in provincial elections, with 58.06 per cent voting in favour.

However, voters rejected all four constitutional questions, which proposed changes involving provincial judicial appointments, abolishing the Senate, provincial opt-outs from federal programs and giving provincial legislation priority in certain jurisdictional conflicts.

Opposition to those proposals ranged from 52.72 to 57.56 per cent.

De Jonge said the results reflect concerns about the opportunities available to future generations and the province’s relationship with the federal government.

“For many families, this was about ensuring that the next generation will have the same opportunities that have made Alberta a destination of choice for decades,” said de Jonge. “Our government will continue to stand up for the interests of Albertans and ensure Alberta has a meaningful voice in Confederation.”

She added that the government’s focus will remain on strengthening Alberta while maintaining its place within Canada.

“As we move forward, our focus will continue to be on building a stronger Alberta within a united Canada,” said de Jonge. “One where our contributions are recognized, our jurisdiction is respected, and our communities have every opportunity to succeed.”