Ottawa Open to Talks on Alberta’s Immigration Autonomy Ahead of Referendum

Canada’s federal government has indicated it is open to discussions with Alberta on immigration levels and provincial autonomy ahead of the province’s referendum scheduled for Monday.

Alberta voters will decide on 10 referendum questions, including one on separation and nine others covering issues such as immigration, constitutional changes and access to health care. Several of the questions focus on giving the province greater control over immigration and access to publicly funded services.

Federal Government Signals Willingness to Engage

Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski, the federal cabinet’s only minister from Alberta, said Ottawa was already discussing immigration levels and sustainability with the province.

Speaking on CTV’s Question Period, Olszewski said Prime Minister Mark Carney had made it clear that a referendum was not necessary for governments to identify issues requiring discussion.

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab also said the federal government was working with provinces and territories on immigration policy, describing it as a shared responsibility.

Referendum Questions Draw Different Responses

Some of the proposals ask whether Alberta should have greater control over who enters the province, whether Canadian citizens and permanent residents should receive priority for government-funded services, and whether temporary residents should face waiting periods or fees for certain public services.

During a visit to Calgary on Friday, Carney urged voters to reject the nine questions beyond the separation proposal, using the phrase “No to the Nine.” His comments differed in tone from Olszewski’s indication that Ottawa was willing to continue discussions with Alberta.

The referendum is expected to bring immigration policy and the division of responsibilities between federal and provincial governments into focus as Albertans prepare to vote.