Alberta Seeks Control Over Immigration in Referendum Vote

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's government is pushing for increased control over immigration, seeking to wrestle some authority away from the federal government. The province wants to prioritize economic migration and give Albertans first priority on new employment opportunities.

The issue will be put to a referendum vote in Alberta on October 19, with Question 1 asking if the province should take increased control over immigration. Currently, immigration is a shared responsibility between the federal and provincial governments, with Ottawa setting a yearly capacity for all of Canada.

Joseph Schow, Alberta's minister of jobs, economy, trade, and immigration, claims that the provinces should be consulted more on immigration numbers and given more consideration. He believes that by doing so, the province can strategically choose immigrants who meet industry demands.

However, economists warn that sweeping provincial changes could scare off potential immigrants, making it harder for Alberta to attract the skills they need.