Wednesday, May 13, 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

How Trump's foreign policy could shape Canada's approach to aid, trade and intel

How Trump's foreign policy could shape Canada's approach to aid, trade and intel
U.S. President Donald Trump's "America First" changes to foreign policy could have drastic consequences for Canada's approach toaid, trade, intelligence and diplomacy.

How Trump's foreign policy could shape Canada's approach to aid, trade and intel

Google payments for news organizations to begin later than expected

Google payments for news organizations to begin later than expected
Canadian journalism organizations are having to wait a bit longer for their share of the $100 million Google agreed to pay news outlets to be exempt from the Online News Act. The organization administering the money now says funds will flow to outlets later than the January timeline it first provided.

Google payments for news organizations to begin later than expected

StatCan estimates GDP rebounded at year-end but uncertainties mount for economy

StatCan estimates GDP rebounded at year-end but uncertainties mount for economy
The Canadian economy contracted in November, but preliminary estimates point to a rebound at the end of the year as the country faces an uncertain future with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to impose tariffs on Canadian goods as early as Saturday. Statistics Canada said Friday real gross domestic product decreased 0.2 per cent in November, the largest monthly contraction since December 2023.

StatCan estimates GDP rebounded at year-end but uncertainties mount for economy

Chrystia Freeland says Canada should target Elon Musk's Tesla in a tariff fight

Chrystia Freeland says Canada should target Elon Musk's Tesla in a tariff fight
Liberal leadership candidate Chrystia Freeland says Ottawa should target Tesla vehicles and U.S. alcohol as part of its tariff retaliation package to send a message that an attack on Canadian trade would not be cost-free for Trump's allies. In an interview with The Canadian Press, Freeland said there should be a 100 per cent tariff on all U.S. wine, beer and spirits, and on all Teslas.

Chrystia Freeland says Canada should target Elon Musk's Tesla in a tariff fight

Conservative fundraising for 2024 nearly doubles Liberal, NDP totals

Conservative fundraising for 2024 nearly doubles Liberal, NDP totals
The Conservative Party had a banner fundraising year in 2024, when it nearly doubled the combined total collected by the Liberals and NDP by raising almost $41.8 million. The Conservatives brought in nearly $12.8 million in the final quarter of 2024, according to filings with Elections Canada.

Conservative fundraising for 2024 nearly doubles Liberal, NDP totals

International study permit data an 'earthquake' for Canadian university finances

International study permit data an 'earthquake' for Canadian university finances
Provinces where international permit allocations were increased last year are also experiencing a decline in international enrolment, creating gaps in budgets that may lead to program cuts.

International study permit data an 'earthquake' for Canadian university finances