Alberta Referendum GuidePlain language. Sources shown.
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Referendum Date: October 19, 2026

Demystify the phrasing of Alberta's referendum questions.

Ask about a ballot question or the background needed to understand it, or scroll down for an overview of all ten questions.

On the cards below, view unbiased summaries of each question and its impact.

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The 10 referendum questions

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See official wording

All questions are non-binding, meaning the government is not held to take any action on the result, regardless of a majority vote or not.

10

Alberta in Canada

Alberta and separation

Official question

Should Alberta remain a province of Canada, or should the Government of Alberta commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada?

Option 1: Alberta should remain a province of Canada.

Option 2: The Government of Alberta should commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada.

1

Immigration & services

Immigration levels

Official question

Do you support the Government of Alberta taking increased control over immigration for the purposes of decreasing immigration to more sustainable levels, prioritizing economic migration and giving Albertans first priority on new employment opportunities?

2

Immigration & services

Who can use provincial programs

Official question

Do you support the Government of Alberta introducing a law mandating that only Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals with an Alberta-approved immigration status will be eligible for provincially-funded programs, such as health care, education and other social services?

3

Immigration & services

12-month wait for social supports

Official question

Assuming that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents continue to qualify for social support programs as they do now, do you support the Government of Alberta introducing a law requiring all individuals with a non-permanent legal immigration status to reside in Alberta for at least 12 months before qualifying for any provincially-funded social support programs?

4

Immigration & services

Health and education fees

Official question

Assuming that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents continue to qualify for public health care and education as they do now, do you support the Government of Alberta charging a reasonable fee or premium to individuals with a non-permanent immigration status living in Alberta for their and their family’s use of the healthcare and education systems?

5

Voting

Proof of citizenship to vote

Official question

Do you support the Government of Alberta introducing a law requiring individuals to provide proof of citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate or citizenship card, to vote in an Alberta provincial election?

Built for voters

Neutral does not mean vague.

The guide can explain a ballot proposal or explore closely related background without forcing every question into a numbered ballot item.

Answers your question first

The first paragraph addresses what you asked before connecting it to relevant ballot topics.

Shows who could be affected

Impacts are explained for real people, families, employers and communities.

Uses the approved library

Answers use only reviewed sources already included in this guide, with sources shown.

Does not hide uncertainty

The guide says what is known, what can be reasonably inferred and what the sources do not establish.