Saturday, February 7, 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

Judge rules hockey player's text inadmissible at trial of five former teammates

Judge rules hockey player's text inadmissible at trial of five former teammates
A text message in which a hockey player described seeing his former teammate slap a woman on the buttocks will not be admitted at the sexual assault trial of five ex-world junior players, an Ontario judge ruled Monday, putting an end to prosecutors' efforts to use the message in their case.

Judge rules hockey player's text inadmissible at trial of five former teammates

Carney will not take up Trudeau's question period tradition

Carney will not take up Trudeau's question period tradition
Prime Minister Mark Carney will take part in his first question period on Wednesday — but will not carry on a tradition started by his predecessor.

Carney will not take up Trudeau's question period tradition

Alberta changing rules to ensure only 'age-appropriate' books in schools by fall

Alberta changing rules to ensure only 'age-appropriate' books in schools by fall
Alberta is bringing in new rules this fall to ensure only “age-appropriate” books are available in school libraries.

Alberta changing rules to ensure only 'age-appropriate' books in schools by fall

Interim NDP leader says party will play important role despite loss of status

Interim NDP leader says party will play important role despite loss of status
Interim NDP Leader Don Davies said Monday the party will still play a "profoundly important role" in this Parliament, even though it won't be granted official party status.

Interim NDP leader says party will play important role despite loss of status

Silent tribute and fundraisers mark one month since Vancouver festival attack

Silent tribute and fundraisers mark one month since Vancouver festival attack
Members of Parliament have held a moment of silence on the one-month anniversary of the deadly attack on the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, as members of the Filipino community and others continue to grapple with its impact. 

Silent tribute and fundraisers mark one month since Vancouver festival attack

Trump vs. Harvard: Canadian university athlete Ocean Ma caught in the crossfire

Trump vs. Harvard: Canadian university athlete Ocean Ma caught in the crossfire
Highlighted by an Ivy League title and a divisional crown at the national college playdowns, Canada's Ocean Ma enjoyed a memorable first season on Harvard's squash team. 

Trump vs. Harvard: Canadian university athlete Ocean Ma caught in the crossfire