Ten Questions, One Clear Choice:
Reject Division and Defend Alberta’s Future
September 9, 2026
CALGARY—On October 19, Albertans will vote on ten referendum questions
concerning immigration, voting, Canada’s Constitution and Alberta’s future within
Canada. The Green Party of Alberta recommends voting “NO” on Questions 1
through 9 and choosing “ALBERTA SHOULD REMAIN A PROVINCE OF CANADA” on
Question 10.
These questions do not offer practical solutions to Alberta’s real challenges.
Instead, they encourage division, scapegoat newcomers and seek to concentrate
more power in the hands of the provincial government.
The Intent Behind The Questions
Questions 1 through 4 portray immigrants and temporary residents as burdens or
competitors rather than neighbours, workers, students and families who
contribute to our communities. Creating separate levels of access to health care,
education and social services based on immigration status would make Alberta
less welcoming and could leave vulnerable people without help when they need it
most. Alberta should address pressure on public services by properly funding
them, not by blaming newcomers for government failures.
Question 5 is unnecessary and risks creating new barriers for eligible voters.
Canadian citizenship is already required to vote in an Alberta election, and
electors must already prove their identity and address. Requiring specific citizenship documents could prevent legitimate voters, particularly seniors, low-
income Albertans, and people without ready access to passports or birth certificates, from exercising their democratic rights. (See the Elections Alberta website for more info on current Voter ID requirements, and to check whether you are registered to vote in this upcoming referendum.)
Questions 6 through 9 would pursue sweeping constitutional changes without
clearly explaining their consequences. Allowing provincial governments to select
superior-court judges could increase political influence over the judiciary.
Abolishing the Senate without proposing a democratic replacement is not
responsible reform. Allowing provinces to opt out of national programs while
keeping all associated funding could weaken national standards. Giving provincial
laws automatic priority over federal laws would upset Canada’s constitutional
balance and allow provincial governments to place themselves above national
protections and responsibilities.
These proposals would not give ordinary Albertans more power. They would give
the provincial government more power.
Unity is Our Strength
Finally, Question 10 asks Albertans either to remain in Canada or begin the
process toward another referendum on separation. The GPA firmly supports
Alberta remaining within Canada. Separation would create profound uncertainty
for workers, businesses, pensions, public services, and our relationships with the
rest of the country. It would also have serious implications for the inherent and
Treaty rights of First Nations, whose Treaties are with the Crown and cannot be
pushed aside by the Alberta government.
This referendum encourages Albertans to distrust newcomers, democratic
institutions, other provinces, and Canada itself. We reject the politics of fear and
division.
Alberta needs cooperation, accountable government, and properly funded public
services. We need leadership that brings people together and focuses on
affordability, health care, education, climate resilience, and a sustainable
economy.
To summarize and reaffirm both our position and the instructions we offer to
Albertan voters for the referendum this October:
Vote “No” on Questions 1 through 9.
On Question 10, vote for “Alberta to remain a province of Canada”.
For more information on the Green Party of Alberta, or to make a contribution please visit:
GreenPartyofAlberta.ca
For all other inquiries, contact:
Dana Renaud
Communications Director, Green Party of Alberta
[email protected]