Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has unveiled an ambitious plan aimed at reshaping the province’s immigration policies and social services access, proposing a referendum for October that seeks public support for various measures. The initiative is positioned as a means to gain greater autonomy over immigration, particularly concerning the prioritisation of economic migrants and the management of services for temporary residents.
A Push for Provincial Control
In a press briefing, Premier Smith outlined her proposals which include questions for the upcoming referendum that will ask Alberta residents whether they support restricting provincially funded health care, education, and social services to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and individuals with Alberta-approved immigration status. The referendum will also address whether temporary residents should be required to wait a year before qualifying for social support and contribute financially towards health care and education costs.
Smith’s vision aligns closely with Quebec’s model, which has operated under a unique accord with the federal government since 1991, granting the province extensive control over its immigration processes. “What we’re looking at is a model very similar to what Quebec has had since 1991,” she stated, highlighting her intent to bring Alberta’s immigration strategy in line with Quebec’s historic approach.
Navigating Federal Relationships
This push for a referendum is not merely a matter of provincial governance; it’s also a strategic move in the ongoing negotiation dynamics between Alberta and Ottawa. Richard Kurland, an immigration lawyer based in Vancouver, commented on the implications of Smith’s announcement, suggesting that this referendum could be a calculated approach to garner more funding from the federal government. In recent years, Ottawa has allocated substantial resources to Quebec to assist with the costs associated with housing asylum seekers, a situation Alberta now seeks to replicate.
Kurland remarked, “Alberta will make noise about the cost of health care for asylum seekers and temporary residents, and Ottawa will turn on the spigot. It’s a play for more money.” This sentiment underscores the tension that has existed between provincial demands for greater autonomy in immigration and the federal government’s overarching control.
Legal and Constitutional Considerations
Alberta’s quest for increased immigration powers is complicated by the constitutional realities of shared responsibilities between federal and provincial governments. Under the Constitution, provinces can legislate on immigration matters as long as they do not conflict with federal laws. The federal Immigration and Refugee Protection Act allows for provincial agreements, but these must not infringe on the federal authority regarding admissibility.
Randy Hahn, a Toronto-based immigration lawyer, pointed out that many of Smith’s desired powers already reside with the federal government. “You could say this is a negotiating tactic,” he noted, emphasising that Alberta’s actions reflect a broader provincial response to the financial and logistical implications of federal immigration policy.
Growing Asylum Claims
Premier Smith has expressed concerns regarding the rising number of asylum seekers entering Alberta, criticising the federal government for what she perceives as a lack of control over these numbers. According to figures from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), asylum claims in Alberta have surged from 1,995 in 2021 to 10,050 in 2024. By November 2025, there had already been 7,125 claims.
In light of this increase, Smith advocates for measures that would limit asylum seekers’ access to provincial health care, arguing that those with temporary status should secure private insurance. Notably, Alberta’s asylum claims remain lower than those in Ontario and Quebec, where the numbers are substantially higher, indicating a unique provincial context that Smith is keen to manage more directly.
Why it Matters
Premier Smith’s referendum proposal represents a pivotal moment in Alberta’s relationship with federal immigration policy. By seeking public endorsement for measures that could significantly restrict access to social services for temporary residents and asylum seekers, she is positioning Alberta at the forefront of a contentious debate over provincial autonomy in immigration matters. This initiative not only highlights the growing friction between provincial and federal authorities but also underscores the complexities of addressing immigration in a way that balances local needs with national priorities. As discussions unfold, the outcome could have far-reaching implications for Alberta’s future and its stance on immigration policy across Canada.
