Thursday, February 5, 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

Renewed Indo-Canada ties concern protesters on anniversary of Nijjar killing

Renewed Indo-Canada ties concern protesters on anniversary of Nijjar killing
Sikh Federation Canada spokesman Moninder Singh said it was "frustrating" to see Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the G7 meeting in Alberta this week, where he met Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Renewed Indo-Canada ties concern protesters on anniversary of Nijjar killing

One in four Canadians report being affected by extreme weather in last year: poll

One in four Canadians report being affected by extreme weather in last year: poll
Among those who said they had felt the impacts of extreme weather, almost two-thirds reported being forced to stay indoors because of air quality concerns, while 39 per cent reported suffering emotional stress.

One in four Canadians report being affected by extreme weather in last year: poll

Counting the cost of the 1985 Air India bombing tragedy

Counting the cost of the 1985 Air India bombing tragedy
All 307 passengers and 22 crew aboard Flight 182 were killed on June 23, 1985. About an hour earlier, two baggage handlers also died when another bomb planted in the same conspiracy exploded at Narita Airport in Japan.

Counting the cost of the 1985 Air India bombing tragedy

Company to pay $330K after Edmonton worker trapped in smokehouse, dies in 92 C heat

Company to pay $330K after Edmonton worker trapped in smokehouse, dies in 92 C heat
Ontario-based Sofina Foods Inc. was directed by a judge Thursday to put the money toward a workplace training program after a joint submission from the Crown prosecution and the company. 

Company to pay $330K after Edmonton worker trapped in smokehouse, dies in 92 C heat

Two major wildfires in northeast B.C. are downgraded, leaving just one fire of note

Two major wildfires in northeast B.C. are downgraded, leaving just one fire of note
Both fires are now considered to be held, meaning they aren't expected to grow beyond current perimeters, as fire crews get support from heavy rain in northeastern B.C.

Two major wildfires in northeast B.C. are downgraded, leaving just one fire of note

Federal power to sidestep Indian Act removed from major projects bill

Federal power to sidestep Indian Act removed from major projects bill
Amendments to the bill made in committee include removing the Indian Act from a list of laws the government can sidestep when determining whether a project should move forward.

Federal power to sidestep Indian Act removed from major projects bill