Alberta referendum proposals on immigration-based service restrictions raise worker shortage concerns

Proposals to restrict access to provincial services based on immigration status are on track to narrowly pass in Alberta’s referendum, raising concerns about the potential impact on industries that depend on foreign workers.

Faduma Ahmed, a union representative for workers at the Cargill meat-processing plant south of Calgary, warned that the proposals could worsen labour shortages in the sector.

Before the referendum, Premier Danielle Smith’s government argued that providing health care and education to temporary residents costs Alberta $1 billion annually.

Ahmed said she has heard from worried workers who fear they may be unable to afford essential services if they are required to pay for them out of pocket.

Alberta referendum: Voters support all four proposals on immigration and provincial services Alberta referendum results show more voters supported than opposed all four proposals concerning immigration levels, eligibility for provincially funded services, waiting periods for social assistance and fees for health care and education for people with temporary immigration status. The proposals focus on giving Alberta greater control over immigration, prioritizing Canadian citizens and permanent residents for provincial services, requiring some temporary residents to live in Alberta for at least 12 months before qualifying for social support, and potentially charging temporary residents fees for health care and education. The results provided show that support was strongest for increasing provincial control over immigration, while the proposal to charge fees or premiums for health care and education received the narrowest margin of support.

Results by referendum question Question Yes votes No votes Total votes Yes share

1. Greater provincial control over immigration 1,121,445 923,458 2,044,903 54.8%
2. Restrict eligibility for provincially funded services 1,065,246 962,721 2,027,967 52.5%
3. Require a 12-month residency period for certain social supports 1,087,802 959,271 2,047,073 53.1%
4. Charge temporary residents fees for health care and education 1,062,470 979,800 2,042,270 52.0%

Source: The Canadian Press & Elections Alberta