February 20, 2026
RED FM News Desk
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has announced a provincewide referendum to be held on October 19, focusing on measures to limit immigration and secure greater provincial rights under the Canadian Constitution. In a 13-minute televised address last night, Smith revealed that Albertans will be asked to vote on nine distinct questions. She stated that these topics were selected based on consultations, town halls, and written submissions gathered by the ‘Alberta Next Panel’ over the past year.
During her address, Smith argued that Alberta taxpayers can no longer be expected to subsidize the rest of the country while the federal government “floods” provincial borders with new arrivals. She claimed it is “grossly unfair” to provide free access to Alberta’s generous social programs to anyone who moves to the province, asserting that the current situation is financially crippling and undermines the quality of local healthcare, education, and social services.
The October referendum will cover both constitutional and non-constitutional issues. Among the non-constitutional questions, the province will ask residents if Alberta should seek more direct control over immigration. Other questions are expected to delve into constitutional negotiations, including proposals to abolish the Senate and grant provinces the power to appoint Superior Court judges.
The Alberta Opposition NDP has responded with sharp criticism, accusing Premier Smith of stoking hatred and targeting immigrants to mask her government’s financial mismanagement. The NDP contends that the referendum is a strategic distraction from a looming multi-billion dollar budget deficit expected to be tabled next week.
NDP Deputy Leader Rakhi Pancholi stated that racism and hate have been on the rise in Alberta since the United Conservative Party (UCP) took power, and she expressed concern that the upcoming referendum debate will only deepen social divisions. The opposition argued that the government should prioritize real challenges facing Albertans—such as healthcare access and the affordability crisis—rather than pursuing constitutional grievances or Senate abolition.
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