Reflections on Alberta’s Referendum
The ‘Alberta Act’ received Royal Assent on September 1, 1905, confirming Alberta’s place within Canada as an official province (Canadian Encyclopedia source). Long before this historical event, Indigenous peoples lived and thrived on this land for thousands of years, predating colonial contact. Treaties 6, 7, and 8, signed in 1876, 1877, and 1899 respectively, established agreements between First Nations and the Crown. These treaties formalized relationships, rights, and responsibilities that continue to shape the lands and communities on which Alberta, and Canada, were built (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 2023). Furthermore, these Treaties signify ongoing commitments and obligations that governments have for reconciliation. This context is imperative to viewing Alberta’s recent referendum. Alberta's referendum provides an opportunity for young Canadians to reflect not only on the province's relationship with the federal government, but also on the larger questions of belonging, public responsibility, and the future we want to build as Canadians.
On October 19th, the province of Alberta gathered in elementary school gyms, churches, and community centres to cast their ballots in Alberta’s referendum. Ten questions were posed to Albertans on immigration, healthcare, Canada’s constitution, and separation. The Government of Alberta included five questions concerning immigration.
Immigration Questions
These questions asked if the provincial government should take increased control over immigration within the province, with an aim at reducing the number (Elections Alberta, n.d.). Lowering the province of Alberta’s numbers for skilled workers, temporary residents, international students, family members from different countries, and refugees. The provincial government also asked if only citizens, permanent residents, and ‘Alberta-approved immigrants’ status should be eligible for healthcare, education, and social support services. At the same time, the questions propose a premium cost required to access healthcare and education for temporary residents. (Elections Alberta, n.d.).
Constitutional Questions
The provincial government also asked Albertans to consider potential changes to Canada’s constitution. These include the proposed abolishment of the federal Senate, an option to opt-out of federal social and health programs, prioritizing Alberta’s laws over federal laws, and having provincial governments select justices appointed to the provincial Court of King’s bench and Appeal courts. These questions require much more than a binding, provincial vote. (Elections Alberta, n.d.)
Separation Question
The 10th question asked Albertans to decide whether they were content remaining within Canada, or if the provincial government should explore the beginning stages of separation.
While Albertans at the polls were asked to make decisions on their ballots, these questions were non-binding. Rather, these questions provided insight to Alberta’s current government on the opinions and perspectives on the issues at hand. This means no immediate changes to legislation will occur following this referendum, and any proposed changes must follow the same process through the legislature.
(Source: Wikipedia)
What these questions signal
Taken together, these questions signal many Albertans’ desire for changes to immigration policies, jurisdictional issues, and social services. They reflect broader conversations about who gets to make decisions for Albertans, what responsibilities governments have to the people who live within their borders, and how Alberta sees its place within Canada.
These proposed responses to issues related to immigration and decision-making invite Albertans to consider who would be most impacted by these changes.
Who is affected by immigration eligibility and access to healthcare, social services, and education?
While most Albertans who voted in this referendum can rest assured that they can count on the healthcare and social support systems to be accessible when they need them most, these questions ask if newcomers and temporary residents should be able to do the same. Furthermore, these decisions are not simply administrative, instead they directly impact their ability to establish themselves, contribute to their communities, and build a stable future in Canada.
The other five questions invite Albertans to consider what provincial autonomy, sovereignty, and decision-making abilities look like for Alberta. However, changes to the relationship between provincial and federal governments come with implications for the entire country.
(Credit: CBC)
Moving forward
This referendum highlights the complexity of Alberta’s governance and identity. These are not simple decisions with ‘yes’ or ‘no’ solutions. Instead, these questions require meaningful reflection and recognition of the potential consequences for those most impacted. Democracy requires true, informed participation, the space for a variety of perspectives, and the room for disagreement. The challenge that comes with democracy is ensuring that barriers to listening and understanding other perspectives are overcome.
As young Canadians, these questions prompt us to think critically about what we want our country to look like.
How should we balance provincial priorities with national responsibilities?
How can we ensure public services remain sustainable and the dignity and rights of everyone are upheld?
These are not simple questions, but they are worth asking. Decisions made today shape the social, economic, and political landscape that we will live with tomorrow.
Sources:
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. (2023, March 15). The numbered treaties (1871–1921). Government of Canada.
Elections Alberta. (n.d.). Referendum. https://www.elections.ab.ca/elections/referendum/
The Canadian Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Alberta and Confederation. Historica Canada. https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/alberta-and-confederation
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