Former Alberta premiers urge 'No' vote on immigration referendum questions

Three former premiers of Alberta have issued a joint statement urging voters to reject five immigration-related questions on the Oct. 19 provincial referendum ballot. Rachel Notley, Alison Redford, and Ed Stelmach, who served as the province's 17th, 14th, and 13th premiers respectively, argue that the measures pose a threat to Alberta's continued prosperity and its tradition of welcoming newcomers.

Economic Impact and Labor Shortages

The former premiers cite economic data to support their position, referencing an independent analysis by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. According to the statement, the majority of Alberta businesses struggle with labour shortages and require migrant labour to fill vacancies. The shortage is described as more serious in rural areas and the north, with projections that it will tighten further due to anticipated pipelines, energy projects, and defence initiatives.

The statement notes that immigrants are critical to augmenting the province's aging population, which helps fund roads, hospitals, and other essential services. The Calgary Chamber report cited in the statement found that in 2026, immigrants under 40 contributed approximately $1.1 billion, with a net provincial fiscal contribution of just under $1 billion after accounting for provincial programs.

Additionally, the former premiers highlight that more than 36 per cent of small or medium-sized businesses in Alberta with paid staff are immigrant-owned. This figure reaches 65 per cent in the food and business sector. They argue that these businesses are critical to both rural and urban centres, often serving as retail or service lifelines for small communities.

Concerns Over Reputation and Policy

Notley, Redford, and Stelmach contend that the five questions on the ballot are a "clear and present threat" to Alberta's economic future. They argue that while reasonable debates on immigration policy exist, the referendum is not the appropriate forum. The statement describes the questions as "confusing, contradictory" and warns that approving them could have "harmful and unintended effects."

A primary concern raised is that Alberta would immediately be perceived as a less attractive place for talent. The former premiers ask, "Why would the best and brightest workers and students move to Alberta if we intend to charge them more for the same basic services they are already paying for through taxes on their earnings?" They suggest that the rhetoric surrounding the referendum may have already damaged Alberta's reputation by creating a "regrettable and false impression" that the province is becoming hostile to newcomers.

The statement emphasizes that in an unstable global economy, every newcomer represents a potential link to other markets and new investors. They urge voters to consider the potential economic harm, stating that if the measures are adopted, "it could take generations to undo the damage."

Context of the Referendum

The referendum takes place on Oct. 19, 2026. Current Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has expressed support for Option 1, which advocates for Alberta remaining in Canada. In a separate report by the Calgary Herald, Smith addressed a group of separatists, urging unity among conservatives to avoid electing an NDP government in future elections. Smith stated, "Now is not the time to give up hope in our country, not when we have fought so long and come so far."

The former premiers' statement concludes with a call to action: "Unified, we urge you to choose Canada and vote No on all the immigration questions, so we can say once again, proudly, that Alberta is open, welcoming and ready to get on with building big things together."

Why it matters

The intervention by three former premiers from different political backgrounds signals a significant effort to influence the outcome of the Oct. 19 referendum. Their focus on economic data, particularly labor shortages and fiscal contributions, aims to counter arguments that immigration places a burden on public services. The outcome of the vote could shape Alberta's immigration policy and its relationship with the federal government, as well as its attractiveness to international talent and investors.

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Sources

• calgaryherald.com: Bell: What Danielle Smith told Alberta separatists behind closed doors | Calgary Herald
• ca.news.yahoo.com: Stay open for growth: Former premiers urge 'No' on the immigration questions - Yahoo News Canada

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.