Alberta Voters Demand Greater Control Over Immigration as Prime Minister Mark Carney Calls for Federal-Provincial Cooperation

OTTAWA, October 20, 2026: Alberta voters have endorsed a series of referendum proposals calling for tighter immigration controls, greater provincial authority over newcomers and restrictions on access to publicly funded services, placing fresh pressure on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government to reconsider how immigration policies are managed across Canada.

While Alberta’s rejection of a proposed path toward separation from Canada dominated national attention, the province’s referendum also delivered a strong political message on immigration, with voters supporting several measures aimed at giving the provincial government more influence over immigration selection, social services and public spending.

Responding to the results Tuesday, Carney said Ottawa was prepared to work closely with Alberta and other provinces to bring immigration to sustainable levels. However, he maintained that the federal and provincial governments could address these concerns through existing arrangements without making changes to Canada’s Constitution.

The prime minister acknowledged that immigration pressures have affected housing, public services and economic planning, but stressed that any changes must balance Canada’s national interests with fair treatment of people arriving in the country.

Carney said his government had already taken significant steps to reduce immigration pressures and argued that further adjustments should be developed through cooperation rather than unilateral provincial action.

The referendum, held Monday, included 10 questions covering Alberta’s constitutional relationship with Canada, immigration policy, health care and other provincial priorities. Five of the questions unrelated to separation focused on immigration and the province’s ability to manage its growing population.

According to preliminary results, Albertans supported granting their provincial government greater control over immigration decisions, including who is permitted to settle in Alberta.

Voters also backed a proposal that would limit eligibility for provincially funded programs, including health care, education and other social services, to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals holding an immigration status approved by Alberta.

Another proposal received support for requiring temporary residents to wait one year before becoming eligible for certain publicly funded social benefits.

Albertans also voted in favour of charging fees to people with non-permanent immigration status for access to publicly funded health care and education.

Although the referendum results demonstrate public support for these proposals, they do not automatically make the measures law. Implementing some of the changes could require federal cooperation, legislative amendments or constitutional review.

Carney said he had spoken with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on Tuesday morning, with their initial discussion focused on supporting victims and families affected by the deadly military training fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright.

The conversation subsequently turned to the referendum results and opportunities for greater cooperation between Ottawa and Edmonton.

The prime minister described immigration as an area where both governments could work toward common objectives, particularly ensuring that population growth remains manageable and public services can meet demand.

He argued that Canada needs an immigration system that supports economic development while maintaining public confidence and respecting the dignity of newcomers.

Federal officials have already indicated a willingness to discuss Alberta’s concerns.

Eleanor Olszewski, the Liberal government’s cabinet representative from Alberta, recently confirmed that discussions were underway between Ottawa and the provincial government regarding immigration levels and long-term sustainability.

Olszewski acknowledged that immigration is an area of shared responsibility and suggested that federal and provincial officials were examining ways to better coordinate immigration planning.

Federal Immigration Minister Lena Diab has also emphasised the importance of cooperation with provincial and territorial governments.

Diab said the federal government would continue working with provinces to ensure immigration policies meet national objectives while responding to regional economic and demographic needs.

The referendum comes after several years of significant changes in Canada’s immigration system.

Canada admitted approximately 483,640 new permanent residents in 2024, reflecting the immigration targets established under the federal government’s earlier planning framework.

That number declined to approximately 393,500 in 2025 as Ottawa began reducing immigration targets amid growing concerns about housing affordability, infrastructure capacity and pressure on public services.

Carney’s first federal budget, introduced in late 2025, outlined additional measures designed to stabilise population growth and reduce the number of temporary residents.

Under the federal government’s 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan, permanent resident admissions were expected to remain below one percent of Canada’s population beyond 2027.

The government also committed to reducing temporary residents to less than five percent of the national population by the end of 2027, co

Courtesy: ctvnews