Alberta's Referendum: Smith's Immigration Push & Unity Pledge

0:00It's April 23rd. This is Canada News today, AI-powered stories from your city. I'm Corey with the story. Alberta Premier Daniel Smith is pushing for a strong mandate from voters in a fall referendum on immigration and constitutional changes. She's launching a new website with nine key questions for the October 19th ballot, where her government plans to actively campaign for yes votes to back their agenda. These immigration questions aim to limit social services for newcomers and make non-permanent residents wait 12 months before accessing provincial programs. Smith expects Albert Hans to back them, but dodged questions on whether she'd respect a no vote, saying their government led social persuade folks. It's the right path. Meanwhile, a citizen petition called for ever Canada, with 450,000 signatures affirming the province stays in the country, could join the ballot. It's the only one certified so far, heading to MLA's for review, though organizer Thomas Lukazuk prefers lawmakers decide instead of a public vote.

1:06Smith insists is likely headed to referendum, since signers expected that, while opposition leader Nahi Nenshi predicts a separation question will. Make the cut and warn Smith might ignore results anyway. As voting day nears, this mix of provincial power plays and unity pledges has Albert Hans watching closely for what direction the province takes next.