Alberta Next panel unveils immigration, constitutional referendum questions
The Alberta Next Panel has unleashed its final report, demanding greater provincial power and laying the groundwork for potential referendums on critical issues like immigration.
The Alberta Next Panel has unleashed its final report, demanding greater provincial power and laying the groundwork for potential referendums on critical issues like immigration, constitutional reform, and even an Alberta Pension Plan.
The panel recommended that the province immediately proceed with a referendum on the provincial government exercising more control over immigration. It also suggested a separate referendum on constitutional reform.
During an August event in Edmonton, moderator Bruce McAllister asked attendees whether “Alberta should take more control of the immigration system to counter Ottawa’s open border policies.” Almost every hand was raised in favour.
Another suggestion called for Alberta to hold a provincial referendum on working with other provinces to protect provincial jurisdiction from federal interference, opting out of federal programs without losing funding, appointing judges, and abolishing the federal Senate.
The report’s results, released Friday afternoon, follow months of province-wide engagement and 10 in-person town halls.
The panel also referenced two additional issues that could be put to a future referendum.
The report recommended that Albertans first be provided with a detailed Alberta Pension Plan proposal, including benefits, management, contribution rates and implementation. A referendum was only recommended after this takes place.
The Fraser Institute already highlighted in a report that the median Alberta worker could receive 72 per cent more under an Alberta Pension Plan when compared to the Canada Pension Plan.
The report also called for a cost-benefit analysis of Alberta collecting its own personal income taxes, but said a referendum should not be held on this currently.
Other recommendations included methods for Alberta to reduce its dependence on Ottawa, continuing to establish an Alberta Police Service while transitioning away from the RCMP, and reforming equalization payments.
Premier Danielle Smith said the panel’s work reflects long-standing concerns that “decisions made in Ottawa have constrained Alberta’s economic growth and autonomy.”
“Through Alberta Next, Albertans were clear that for too long, decisions made outside this province have limited Alberta’s ability to grow our economy and chart our own course. This engagement was about confronting those realities and identifying concrete options to take control of our future,” said Smith. “We’ve received the panel’s recommendations and will review them carefully before responding in the months ahead.”
More than 5,000 Albertans attended the 10 town halls. The livestreams received about 800,000 views and remain online.
The six surveys hosted on the Alberta Next Panel website each received between 6,000 and 12,000 responses. About 22,000 comments were submitted online.
While the panel has submitted its recommendations, the government has not committed to implementing them. The United Conservative Party caucus is expected to review the proposals in the coming months before deciding which measures—if any—will move forward to a referendum ballot.