Sunday, May 31, 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

Doctor sexually assaults 4 patients

Doctor sexually assaults 4 patients
Police in Calgary have charged a family doctor with sexually assaulting four patients.  They say four complainants came forward independently last year alleging they were sexually assaulted at a clinic in the city's northwest. 

Doctor sexually assaults 4 patients

Suspect at large after report of man with knife at University of Manitoba

Suspect at large after report of man with knife at University of Manitoba
Police in Winnipeg said Tuesday a suspect was at large following a report of a man armed with a large knife at the University of Manitoba. Const. Claude Chancy said officers were called about 6:30 a.m. to the university's Fort Garry campus for a report of a man dressed in black carrying a large knife into the Allen Building.

Suspect at large after report of man with knife at University of Manitoba

Traffic delays for Cambie Bridge

Traffic delays for Cambie Bridge
The City of Vancouver is warning the public about anticipated traffic delays — as well as walking and cycling detours — around Cambie Street Bridge starting this week. It says in a news release that the disruptions will continue until the spring when rehabilitation work on the bridge deck is expected to be completed.

Traffic delays for Cambie Bridge

Ferry cancellations due to high winds

Ferry cancellations due to high winds
B-C Ferries has cancelled numerous sailings between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, including ships leaving from Tsawwassen, Horseshoe Bay, Swartz Bay and Nanaimo. It says the cancellations stem from the "deteriorating weather forecast" including high winds in the Strait of Georgia.

Ferry cancellations due to high winds

With Trump headed to White House, Canada has its eyes on Chinese investment in Mexico

With Trump headed to White House, Canada has its eyes on Chinese investment in Mexico
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said Tuesday she shares the "legitimate" concerns of U.S. officials about Mexico becoming a back door for China to wedge its way into the North American trading regime.

With Trump headed to White House, Canada has its eyes on Chinese investment in Mexico

Federation of Medical Women of Canada Marks 100 Years of Advocacy with Gala Celebration and New Leadership

Federation of Medical Women of Canada Marks 100 Years of Advocacy with Gala Celebration and New Leadership
The FMWC was founded in 1924 by six pioneering female physicians who, at the time, faced significant barriers to entering and practicing in medical school. Their determination reshaped the field, creating opportunities for the generations of women physicians in Canada today.

Federation of Medical Women of Canada Marks 100 Years of Advocacy with Gala Celebration and New Leadership