Thursday, July 9, 2026
ADVT 
National

Immigration, pension: A look at survey questions put forward by Alberta Next panel

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 25 Jun, 2025 10:44 AM
  • Immigration, pension: A look at survey questions put forward by Alberta Next panel

The Alberta Next panel, chaired by Premier Danielle Smith, is holding town halls this summer to get feedback on how the province should stand up to Ottawa while building a "strong and sovereign Alberta within Canada."

Smith has promised a referendum next year on some of the ideas put forward to the panel.

The panel's website launched on Tuesday with surveys on six issues. Before taking each survey, participants must watch a short video.

Here are some of the questions:

Immigration

"Should the provincial government refuse to provide provincial programs to non-citizens and non-permanent residents living in Alberta unless they have been granted an Alberta government-approved immigration permit?"

Constitutional changes

"Should Alberta take a lead role in working with other provinces to pressure the federal government to amend the Canadian constitution to empower and better protect provincial rights?"

Federal transfers and equalization

"Do you agree that the current federal transfer and equalization system is unfair to Alberta?"

"Do you think Alberta should work with other provinces to transfer a larger share of overall taxes from Ottawa to the provinces?"

Provincial police force

"What aspect do you like most about an Alberta Police Service?"

"What concerns you most about shifting from the RCMP to an Alberta Police Service?"

Alberta pension plan

"What potential benefit do you like most about Alberta opting to leave the CPP and create its own Pension Plan?"

"Which risk of opting out of CPP to start an Alberta Pension Plan are you most concerned about? 

Tax collection

This survey had problems displaying questions on the website Tuesday afternoon, but a video beforehand asks Albertans if they would support creating a provincial revenue agency.

It says doing so would require hiring 5,000 staff, cost Alberta at least $750 million per year, and require residents to file provincial and federal taxes separately -- but it would also create jobs and give Alberta more of a say over its tax regime.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

 

MORE National ARTICLES

One taken to hospital after a Tuesday night shooting on Granville Street

One taken to hospital after a Tuesday night shooting on Granville Street
The victim was standing on Granville near Nelson Street just after 10 p.m. Tuesday when the shooting occurred. The victim, 32, suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital.

One taken to hospital after a Tuesday night shooting on Granville Street

Ottawa sending 200 armoured vehicles to Ukraine

Ottawa sending 200 armoured vehicles to Ukraine
The Canadian defence minister revealed the government’s plan to purchase 200 armoured vehicles for Ukraine’s military during a news conference in the capital Kyiv following a meeting with Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov.

Ottawa sending 200 armoured vehicles to Ukraine

Trudeau is waging war against workers: Singh

Trudeau is waging war against workers: Singh
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says it feels like Justin Trudeau's Liberal government is waging war against workers. Singh addressed his New Democrat caucus today in a speech that heavily focused on the struggles faced by the working class.

Trudeau is waging war against workers: Singh

Slide forces evacuation in Campbell River, B.C.

Slide forces evacuation in Campbell River, B.C.
A release from the City of Campbell River says the slide happened about 7 p.m. Tuesday, affecting the Hillside Place and neighbouring Beechwood Manor condos. The city says no one was hurt, but evacuation of the buildings at 738 and 758 Island Highway South was ordered as a precaution.

Slide forces evacuation in Campbell River, B.C.

Pedestrian recovering in hospital after being struck on Highway 1 Eastbound in Abbotsford

Pedestrian recovering in hospital after being struck on Highway 1 Eastbound in Abbotsford
The incident took place at 2pm and Emergency crews were on scene.  Highway 1 is now reopened. Pedestrian is recovering in hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Pedestrian recovering in hospital after being struck on Highway 1 Eastbound in Abbotsford

Two bodies found inside Coldstream, B.C., home

Two bodies found inside Coldstream, B.C., home
Police say a man with potentially life-threatening injuries was also found in the home and another man was taken into custody. The injured man was transported to hospital for medical treatment.

Two bodies found inside Coldstream, B.C., home