Breakenridge: Immigration and Judges Referendum Masks Alberta Separation Vote
If October 19 is ultimately going to be about whether Alberta remains part of Canada, then let's lose the distractions. Albertans will go to the polls on October 19 to decide whether the province should have more say over immigration and the appointment of judges. However, there are several legal hurdles to Alberta potentially separating from Canada, and even a successful referendum vote does not give the province the right to leave the country.
Government Actions and Referendum Questions
In the meantime, the Alberta government has introduced legislation to give the province more say over immigration. Additionally, the government has introduced a motion in the legislature seeking constitutional changes to allow the province more say over the appointment of judges. While the planned referendum questions would potentially clear the way for the province to go even further than these first steps, it's still a rather curious case of putting the cart before the horse. What, then, is the point of Referendum Day?
The rationale for putting these immigration- and constitution-related questions to Albertans is that these issues came up during the Alberta Next process, but that they weren't issues the UCP campaigned on in the 2023 election. Therefore, a mandate is needed. On the other hand, critics have accused the government of asking questions on issues where they've already decided upon a course of action, and thus the referendums are geared at achieving a desired result.
Undermining Rationale and Criticisms
It's unclear, then, why the government would choose to both undermine its own rationale and vindicate the critics' arguments. If the government has already concluded Alberta will be better off with a greater say in the administration of immigration and the selection of judges, then why are we wasting our time voting on these matters? Next year is an election year, anyway.
It's not unreasonable to argue that these are issues that have taken on increased importance and warrant a policy response. Moreover, recent polling would suggest Albertans are on board with some of these proposed changes. Conversely, it is true the UCP did not campaign on these issues in the last election and, as such, doesn't have a clear mandate to take action. Mind you, there are plenty of other issues that have come to the forefront over the past three years that were completely absent on the 2023 campaign trail.
Policy Reversals and Mandate Questions
Arguably, though—at least on immigration—it goes further than that. Three years ago, the Alberta government was pressing to have greater numbers of newcomers come to the province. In many ways, this is a reversal of previous policy. But if the government insists on sticking to the narrative that all of this rises to the level of needing a new and specific mandate from Albertans, then why on earth are they not waiting to see if they receive that mandate?
The upcoming referendum raises critical questions about political strategy and the true intentions behind these votes. With separation from Canada looming as a potential outcome, the focus on immigration and judicial appointments may be mere window dressing, diverting attention from the larger constitutional and national unity issues at stake. Albertans must consider whether these referendums are genuine attempts to address policy concerns or strategic moves to pave the way for more drastic changes.
