Alberta multicultural communities question immigration referendum proposals

Calgary ethnic media representatives and community members are raising concerns about five immigrationrelated questions on Alberta’s October referendum ballot, saying the proposals are confusing and could affect future immigrants and temporary residents. At a roundtable organized by CBC News in south Calgary, participants said many people in ethnocultural communities are not closely following the referendum because they are focused on daily life. They also questioned the province’s goals, including plans to give Alberta more control over immigration, prioritize economic immigration, and require proof of citizenship to vote. The provincial government says the changes would strengthen social services and reduce costs for taxpayers, arguing that temporary residents place pressure on public services. Critics at the discussion said the language feels exclusionary and could leave out refugees and other vulnerable newcomers, while some argued the province should focus instead on broader economic issues such as inflation, housing costs and jobs.