Alberta to Hold Referendum Seeking Greater Provincial Control of Immig

The government of Alberta has announced plans to hold a province-wide referendum in fall 2026 on whether it should seek greater authority over immigration policy, an area that currently falls under federal jurisdiction in Canada.

Premier Danielle Smith said the move is aimed at managing the pressures created by rapid population growth and slowing provincial revenues.

Alberta has added more than 600,000 residents over the past five years, a rise driven largely by international students, temporary foreign workers and asylum seekers.

The provincial government says this growth has increased demand on healthcare, housing, education and other public services.

• Alberta seeks greater control over immigration policy with 2026 referendum
• Danielle Smith proposes referendum for provincial authority on immigration
• Alberta's growing population sparks push for immigration policy changes

Smith said the referendum would give her government a public mandate to negotiate with Ottawa for expanded powers over who enters the province and how long they can stay. While details of any future policy changes remain unclear, the government has indicated it may seek to limit access to provincially funded services to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals holding what it describes as an “Alberta-approved” immigration status.

Under the Canadian constitution, immigration is primarily a federal responsibility, though provinces play a role through programs such as provincial nominations. Any attempt by Alberta to unilaterally control immigration would likely face legal and political challenges.

The referendum comes at a time of heightened political tension between Alberta and the federal government. Long-standing disputes over energy policy, environmental regulations and fiscal transfers have fuelled calls from some groups for greater provincial autonomy. In recent years, a small but vocal segment of the population has also raised the issue of separation.

The federal government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, has said it is focused on maintaining national unity while working with provinces to address housing shortages and labour market needs linked to immigration.

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Critics of the referendum argue it risks deepening regional divisions and creating uncertainty for businesses, workers and students. Supporters say the vote is necessary to ensure population growth aligns more closely with Alberta’s economic capacity and public infrastructure.