Wednesday, July 1, 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

B.C. officials push back on safe supply critics, seeing 'no sign' drugs are diverted

B.C. officials push back on safe supply critics, seeing 'no sign' drugs are diverted
B.C.'s chief coroner, Lisa Lapointe — who joined Charlesworth and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry at a news briefing — says toxicology tests show hydromorphone hasn't been present in any significant number of deaths.

B.C. officials push back on safe supply critics, seeing 'no sign' drugs are diverted

Uber operational in Victoria & Kelowna tomorrow

Uber operational in Victoria & Kelowna tomorrow
Residents in Victoria and Kelowna will be able to catch a ride with Uber starting tomorrow. The ride-hailing giant says service will go live at noon for the two major B-C cities after years of trying to get into the market.  

Uber operational in Victoria & Kelowna tomorrow

Targeting retail theft leads to 26 arrests, thousands in stolen merchandise

Targeting retail theft leads to 26 arrests, thousands in stolen merchandise
In one day, police made 26 arrests, including executing five arrest warrants, and recommended 15 criminal charges. Over $5,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered including, food, clothing, electronics, and cosmetics. 

Targeting retail theft leads to 26 arrests, thousands in stolen merchandise

India among top actors for foreign interference in Canada: national security adviser

India among top actors for foreign interference in Canada: national security adviser
Federal agencies have in recent years warned that India may try to influence communities in Canada, and Thomas's predecessor suggested rogue elements in the Indian government sought to embarrass Trudeau during his visit that year.

India among top actors for foreign interference in Canada: national security adviser

Motorcyclist dies in Abbotsford collision

Motorcyclist dies in Abbotsford collision
The 21-year-old female driver of the car sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is cooperating with police. Speed is believed to be a factor in the collision.

Motorcyclist dies in Abbotsford collision

Sudan crisis: Canada to match $5 million in donations

Sudan crisis: Canada to match $5 million in donations
In mid-April, brazen violence broke out between Sudan's military and its paramilitary force, turning the capital of Khartoum into a war zone from which Canada and other nations evacuated their citizens.  

Sudan crisis: Canada to match $5 million in donations