Alberta's Referendum: What's on the Ballot & Why You Need to Vote
On October 19th, Albertans are being asked to vote on ten referendum questions. Most of the attention has understandably been directed towards Question 10: whether Alberta should begin the constitutional process to separate from Canada.
But the other nine questions carry just as much weight, impacting many Calgary residents - our neighbours, coworkers, family, and friends - and ultimately deciding the kind of province Alberta becomes, and who gets to belong here.
On Separation (Question 10)
Alberta is stronger, safer, and more prosperous as part of Canada. Separation doesn't resolve the frustrations some Albertans have with how the federation works, instead, it trades those grievances for years of uncertainty: for our institutions, our economy, and every family who calls this province home. Alberta has always gotten more done by showing up and pushing for a better deal rather than threatening to walk away from the table entirely.
Immigration, Access to Services, & Voting Rights (Questions 1–5)
Four of the ten questions focus on limiting immigration levels and restricting newcomers' (and their children's) access to healthcare, education, and other social supports - including new fees for services that are otherwise free for other residents.
This ignores important context. Non-permanent residents make up just ~5.6% of Alberta's population and already pay provincial and federal taxes. Additionally, most social programs also have residency and wait-time rules in place.
We know Alberta has consistently underinvested in the services our growing communities rely on. The province ranks amung the lowest nationally for per-student education funding, and healthcare spending hasn't kept pace with population growth. That's a funding decision made by the province, not something caused by the newcomers who've moved here. Blaming newcomers for strained services misdirects the problem; Underinvestment is the issue, not the people themselves.
The fifth question, requiring voters to prove citizenship with documents like a passport, birth certificate, or citizenship card at the polls, follows the same pattern - creating a real barrier for eligible voters who may not have easy access to these documents without any established evidence or instances of voter fraud to justify it.
Constitutional & Governance Questions (Questions 6–9)
The remaining questions propose constitutional changes around how court appointments are made, abolishing the Senate, letting provinces opt out of federal programs while keeping federal funding, and giving provincial law priority over federal law in areas of conflict.
These are not small asks. They're permanent shifts, rewriting the Constitution and changing how power works in this country. They require buy-in from every other province and the federal government, and they deserve significant scrutiny and refinement, not a single checkbox.
What's at Stake?
These questions are about more than policy details - they're about the price Calgary pays for uncertainty. Even the threat of separation makes our city a harder place to invest, build a life, and plan a future. And when we make newcomers feel unwelcome, unsafe, or blamed, we lose the very real people who help our businesses grow and keep our communities strong and vibrant.
Alberta's best future is one where people want to come, stay, and build a life here, and that future needs all of us.
When & How to Vote
September 28: Last day to request your Special/Mail-in Ballot Must be mailed back by October 16th by 5pm, and include a copy of your ID. Order your Special Ballot
October 13 - 17: Advance in-person voting days Voting locations will be posted by Elections Alberta starting September 21. Learn more
October 19: Referendum Day Final day to vote in person.
More information: visit elections.ab.ca or call 1 (877) 422-VOTE(8683)
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