By Amanda Stephenson
CALGARY, Feb 19 (Reuters) – Alberta plans to hold a referendum this fall asking residents whether the provincial government should limit the influx of new international students, temporary foreign workers, and asylum seekers coming into the oil-rich province.
The announcement from Premier Danielle Smith during a televised address on Thursday evening reflects an effort by Alberta to gain control over a significant issue that is typically managed by the federal government. Immigration policy in Canada is mainly overseen by Ottawa rather than individual provinces.
This move could challenge Canadian unity at a time when Prime Minister Mark Carney has been working to strengthen ties with western provinces rich in resources and mitigate rising sentiments for Alberta separatism.
Smith mentioned that her government is facing what will be a substantial deficit in next week’s provincial budget, partly due to falling resource royalties linked to lower global oil prices.
However, she also pointed fingers at Alberta’s rapid population growth-one of the fastest rates in Canada. Statistics Canada reported that Alberta’s population surpassed 5 million in 2025, having increased by more than 600,000 over the last five years. Smith indicated this surge has placed considerable pressure on provincial resources.
“Throwing the doors wide open to anyone and everyone across the globe has flooded our classrooms, emergency rooms and social support systems with far too many people, far too quickly,” she said in her address.
Alberta isn’t alone among provinces experiencing population growth driven by immigration. After several years of welcoming immigration policies under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canada has recently started lowering its immigration targets and placing limits on temporary residents due to strain on housing, infrastructure, and social services.
What sets Alberta apart from other provinces is highlighted in an analysis from ATB Financial; it experiences significant interprovincial migration as Canadians seek better job opportunities and affordable housing.
But Smith stated that Albertans have voiced concerns about international immigration during recent town hall meetings. Therefore, she aims to get a mandate through a referendum for potential changes.
She noted these changes might involve introducing legislation requiring only Canadian citizens, permanent residents or those with “Alberta approved immigration status” to access provincially funded programs such as healthcare, education and various social services.
(Reporting by Amanda Stephenson in Calgary; Editing by Nia Williams)
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