Danielle Smith Sets October Referendum on Immigration in Alberta

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced a referendum for October 19, 2026, that will ask voters nine questions about limiting immigration and amending the Canadian Constitution.Danielle Smith attributed the move to a multibillion-dollar budget deficit and strained infrastructure following population growth she blamed on the former government of Justin Trudeau.Critics like political scientist Lori Williams and Bradley Lafortune have challenged the premier's reasoning, with some comparing the strategy to the political style of Donald Trump.