Saturday, June 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

Mountie transferred from Bella Bella, B.C., after complaints about Facebook posts

Mountie transferred from Bella Bella, B.C., after complaints about Facebook posts
The leadership of a First Nation on British Columbia's central coast says an RCMP officer has been transferred after the community called for his removal from Bella Bella over social media comments he made before joining the Mounties. A statement posted by the Heiltsuk Tribal Council on Wednesday says RCMP told the nation that the transfer process for the constable was complete and he would be leaving the community this weekend.

Mountie transferred from Bella Bella, B.C., after complaints about Facebook posts

Glider crashes near Calgary, one dead

Glider crashes near Calgary, one dead
Turner Valley RCMP in Alberta say one person is dead after a glider aircraft crashed on Wednesday afternoon, south of Calgary. Police say they received a 911 call advising that a small non-motorized glider aircraft had crashed in a field south of Highway 7 and 112 Street, west of Foothills County near Diamond Valley.

Glider crashes near Calgary, one dead

City council strips Kamloops B.C. mayor of ability to speak on behalf of the city

City council strips Kamloops B.C. mayor of ability to speak on behalf of the city
The mayor of Kamloops will no longer speak for the city, after council passed a resolution stripping him of his position as its official spokesman. The decision comes after more than a year of conflict between Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson, council, and city staff, including allegations that the mayor has poor communication skills, won't accept responsibility, ignores confidentiality protocols, and misunderstands the rules around conflict of interest.

City council strips Kamloops B.C. mayor of ability to speak on behalf of the city

BC not on most affordable cities list

BC not on most affordable cities list
British Columbia has failed to make an appearance in a new list of Canada's most affordable cities.  The Royal LePage report found Quebec City and Edmonton are the top choices for relocation due in part to their lower costs of living.

BC not on most affordable cities list

Seizure of drugs & weapons in Prince George

Seizure of drugs & weapons in Prince George
Mounties in Prince George say an investigation has led to the seizure of drugs and various weapons from two homes. They say quantities of drugs, including suspected fentanyl, were found during the search on May 14th. Mounties are calling it a "significant blow" to the illicit drug trade in Prince George.

Seizure of drugs & weapons in Prince George

2 arrested in pepper spray attack

2 arrested in pepper spray attack
New Westminster police say two people have been arrested after a student was attacked with pepper spray at a high school earlier this month. The incident happened at New Westminster Secondary School the morning of May 17th.

2 arrested in pepper spray attack