EDMONTON, Alberta. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith used a televised address to announce that her government will put a series of questions to a provincewide referendum on October 19, 2026. The announcement came Thursday evening ahead of the provincial budget.
The referendum will ask Albertans to vote on nine proposed questions that focus on immigration policy and changes to the Canadian Constitution. Premier Smith said she wants to give voters a direct say on how the province should respond to what her government describes as pressures from population growth and fiscal challenges.
Key Areas of the Proposed Referendum
Immigration and Social Services
Some questions would ask if the province should take more control over immigration, including proposals to restrict access to provincially funded services like health care and education for certain newcomers or non-permanent residents. One proposal would ask if only Canadian citizens, permanent residents and those with a specific “Alberta-approved immigration status” should be eligible for these programs.
• Constitutional Issues
Other questions would explore whether Alberta should seek changes to the Constitution—such as abolishing the federal Senate or giving provinces more power to appoint judges.
Premier Smith said she trusts Albertans to “thoughtfully ponder, debate and ultimately come to a wise decision” and framed the referendum as a way to address long-term issues facing the province.
The referendum announcement comes as Alberta prepares to present its 2026 provincial budget. Smith’s government has warned that low global oil prices and rapid population growth are contributing to fiscal pressures. In her address, she tied the referendum plans to concerns about the demand on public services.
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