EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government is putting nine questions to a provincewide referendum on Oct. 19, including proposals to restrict social services from some immigrants.
One question asks Albertans if non-permanent residents should be charged a “reasonable” fee to access health and education systems.
Others ask whether Alberta should open constitutional negotiations with the rest of Canada to abolish the Senate and to give provinces the power to appoint superior court judges.
Smith says in a televised address that she’s not afraid of direct democracy and trusts the judgment of Albertans.
She blames former prime minister Justin Trudeau for what she called “disastrous” open border immigration policies that have strained health care and education.
She says rapid population growth, coupled with slagging oil prices, are driving unsustainable budget deficits.
More coming.
Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press
