Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s government is putting nine questions to a provincewide referendum on Oct. 19, including proposals to restrict social services from some immigrants.
One question asks Albertans if non-permanent residents should be charged a “reasonable” fee to access health and education systems.
Another asks for approval to cut off newcomers from social services if they don’t fall under “Alberta approved immigration status.” The question doesn’t define what that status means.
Other questions delve into the Constitution, asking whether Alberta should open negotiations with the rest of Canada to abolish the Senate and to give provinces the power to appoint superior court judges.
Smith announced the referendum in a 13 minute televised address Thursday night, saying she’s not afraid of direct democracy and trusts the judgment of Albertans.
Smith blamed former prime minister Justin Trudeau for “disastrous” open-border immigration policies that have strained health care and education.
The provincial budget is set to be tabled next Thursday with “significant deficits” coming
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