EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is set to present ten questions for a provincewide referendum aimed at reshaping immigration policies and constitutional reforms in Alberta. The referendum, scheduled for Monday, has stirred significant debate within the province regarding issues of immigration, provincial rights, and Alberta's future within Canada.

Question 1: Does Alberta's government have your support in taking increased control over immigration to limit it to more sustainable levels? Smith suggests this includes prioritizing economic migration and offering Albertans the first opportunity for new employment. She has mentioned a target of less than one percent of the population, equating to approximately 50,000 newcomers annually. Critics argue that her administration has not adequately addressed the economic demands that population growth entails, despite previous promotional campaigns.

Question 2: Do you endorse a law stating that only Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and individuals with an Alberta-approved immigration status can access provincial-funded programs? Smith attributes the strain on public services to rapid population increases over the last five years and claims temporary residents cost over $1 billion in public services. However, detractors question these figures and highlight the benefits that temporary residents contribute to the provincial economy.

Question 3: Would you support a law that mandates individuals with non-permanent legal immigration status to reside in Alberta for at least 12 months before qualifying for any provincial social support programs? The government has not specified which programs this would apply to, and legal experts warn that such a law may conflict with existing healthcare statutes and equality rights protection in Canada.

Question 4: Assuming that citizens and permanent residents continue to access public services as before, do you agree with charging individuals living in Alberta with non-permanent immigration status a fee for using healthcare and education services? While the specifics have not been defined, Premier Smith has suggested a potential charge could reach $1,900, which has raised concerns among education leaders regarding children's rights.

Question 5: Do you support a law requiring proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, to vote in Alberta elections? Although voting is already restricted to citizens, Smith argues this measure would enhance election integrity. Critics believe this policy could lead to increased voting delays and potentially create biases during the voting process.

Question 6: Would you favor Alberta collaborating with other provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution so that provincial governments select justices for the provincial King’s Bench and Appeal courts? This proposal aims to decentralize judicial appointments and requires cooperation from multiple provinces and federal lawmakers.

Question 7: Do you support efforts to abolish the unelected federal Senate through collaboration with other provinces? Amending the Constitution to eliminate the Senate faces significant challenges, including the need for unanimous approval across provinces.

Question 8: Should Alberta work with other provinces to amend the Constitution, allowing provinces to opt-out of federal programs that infringe upon provincial jurisdiction without losing associated federal funding? This proposal seeks to protect provincial autonomy regarding social programs, especially essential services like health care and education.

Question 9: Do you agree that Alberta should pursue constitutional amendments that would prioritize provincial laws over conflicting federal laws? Presently, federal legislation takes precedence in jurisdictional matters, but advocates see this change as a means to bolster provincial rights.

Question 10: Should Alberta remain a part of Canada, or should the provincial government initiate a legal process to hold a binding referendum on separation from Canada? Proponents of separation argue for economic independence from federal regulations, while opponents caution that such a move could result in adverse effects on local businesses and services.

Premier Smith positions these referendum questions as an essential political compromise intended to address Alberta's concerns, enhance leverage against the federal government, and maintain the province's place within Canada.