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 person dead following a crash at 152nd St and Guildford Dr in Surrey on a Sunday

One person dead following a crash at 152nd St and Guildford Dr in Surrey on a Sunday
In the early morning hours on Sunday, at 5:04am, Surrey RCMP responded to the report of a two vehicle collision at the intersection of 152 St and Guilford Dr. Sadly one of the occupants died at the scene.    

One person dead following a crash at 152nd St and Guildford Dr in Surrey on a Sunday

Vancouver council mulls $2M support for Chinatown

Vancouver council mulls $2M support for Chinatown
The plan stems from a council resolution passed in November that would help clean up Chinatown's streets, alleys and sidewalks, remove litter and needles, halt any new graffiti, remove old tags and address vandalism and other problems. Costs are pegged at just over $2.1 million this year.    

Vancouver council mulls $2M support for Chinatown

Federal workers back to the office starting today

Federal workers back to the office starting today
The return to work comes at a fraught time for public transit in the national capital region, where the federal government has a majority of its offices. An ice storm that hit Ottawa on Jan. 4 caused the city's light rail transit system to partially shut down for six days.      

Federal workers back to the office starting today

MPs plan to probe Rogers-Shaw deal a second time

MPs plan to probe Rogers-Shaw deal a second time
The House of Commons industry and technology committee is planning to initiate another study of the proposed Rogers-Shaw merger. Conservative MP Rick Perkins and New Democrat MP Brian Masse confirmed that the committee plans to meet on Jan. 25 to review the proposed $26 billion transaction.    

MPs plan to probe Rogers-Shaw deal a second time

Flu season getting back to normal in B.C.: Henry

Flu season getting back to normal in B.C.: Henry
The influenza outbreak that resulted in the deaths of six young people in British Columbia last month is on the decline, but the provincial health officer says the flu season is far from over. Dr. Bonnie Henry says there have been no reported deaths of young people since last month when the province experienced an unusual spike of flu-rated cases during November and December.

Flu season getting back to normal in B.C.: Henry

Man charged in 4 break and enters in Richmond, 3 of which took place the same day

Man charged in 4 break and enters in Richmond, 3 of which took place the same day
The break and enters all occurred in March of 2022, three of the four having taken place on the same day. At approximately 3:29 am on March 21, 2022, a suspect allegedly broke into a store in the 9200 block of Alderbridge Way and stole approximately $ 2500.00 in merchandise. 

Man charged in 4 break and enters in Richmond, 3 of which took place the same day