Alberta has been built by people who stand up for what they believe in.
From farmers and ranchers to energy workers, teachers and nurses, Alberta is a place where people work toward something greater than themselves.
WHAT IS THE 2026 REFERENDUM?
A referendum is a direct vote where citizens are asked to provide their input on important issues. These can range from adopting a new law to changing a particular government policy or amending a part of the constitution.
The 2026 referendum will be held on October 19th with the Alberta government putting forward ten questions for Albertans to vote on. The questions on the ballot come out of the Alberta Next Panel's recommendations following extensive consultations with Albertans, subject-matter experts, and policymakers from across the province as part of the Alberta Next town hall process.
WHY NOW?
Alberta – and Canada – are at a crossroads. A lot has changed since the division of powers between Ottawa and the provinces was established in 1867 and constitutionally enshrined in 1982. As a country, we are facing different challenges than we were then – challenges that require empowering provinces to respond to the priorities of their citizens. It's time to modernize the constitutional balance of power across Canada so all provinces have the respect, autonomy and tools they need to meet today's challenges head-on.
Federal immigration policy over the last decade has led to rapid population growth and a significant increase in costs that has impacted the government's ability to fund and effectively deliver social services across the province. We need change.
The road ahead may be challenging, but we know we can collectively build a stronger future for our province. It's time to stand for taxpayers. Stand for families. And stand for a stronger future for all Albertans in a united Canada.
BY THE NUMBERS
600,000
How much Alberta's population has grown in the last five years – roughly equivalent to adding half of the City of Calgary or Edmonton.
$600M+
The approximate annual cost to taxpayers for providing education to the 45,000 children of temporary residents in the provincial education system.
$1B+
More than $1 billion spent annually on provincial programs for temporary residents.
15.6%
The average youth unemployment rate in Alberta in 2025 – a clear sign that youth across the province are struggling to find work. Meanwhile, many employers first look to temporary workers to fill entry-level jobs.
What are the Questions?
The questions in this referendum get to the heart of where we are now as a province and where we want to go, directly gauging public opinion about immigration policy and strengthening the province's constitutional position.
The questions will define how we grow, how we protect the services every Albertan depends on and how we increase our sovereignty within a united Canada.
How Did We Get Here?
November 2015
The beginning of 10 years of unsustainable federal immigration policy which led to significant population increases and pressure on provincial social services, housing and employment, and directly impacted Albertans' ability to access services, get affordable housing and find jobs.
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New website for fall referendum
A new website is launching to provide Albertans with information on the upcoming provincial referendum on Oct. 19.
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Federal officials say they won't stand in the way of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's plan to put a number of constitutional and immigration-related questions to a referendum in the fall, and say they're already taking meaningful steps to bring migration down to a sustainable level.
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Provincial referendum coming this fall
Albertans will cast their votes in a provincial referendum on the two biggest issues identified by the Alberta Next panel: immigration and constitutional reform.
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Lorne Gunter: Crafty move by Alberta premier on referendum questions
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An interview with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on Albertans heading to a referendum vote in the fall of 2026
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Alberta Next Panel delivers report
Following months of engagement across the province, the Alberta Next Panel has delivered seven recommendations to enhance Alberta's sovereignty within a united Canada.
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