Saturday, July 4, 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

Not able to support policing decision due to lack of data: Kevin Falcon

Not able to support policing decision due to lack of data: Kevin Falcon
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth is set to announce tomorrow whether the R-C-M-P or a municipal police service will be responsible for policing the city. Mayor Brenda Locke says the transition back to R-C-M-P will be less expensive than changing the police service.

Not able to support policing decision due to lack of data: Kevin Falcon

Police involved shooting in Prince George

Police involved shooting in Prince George
It happened last night as police responded to a call about a man attacking others at a home on Oak Street. Shots were reportedly fired after officers arrived and tried to take a man into custody.  

Police involved shooting in Prince George

Attempted armed robbery at Chilliwack bank

Attempted armed robbery at Chilliwack bank
The RCMP says officers, including the integrated emergency response team, air support and police dogs, were called to the bank just after noon on Thursday. Police issued a statement asking the public to stay away from the area.  

Attempted armed robbery at Chilliwack bank

Minister didn't authorize fake travel docs for Afghans, says he didn't check email

Minister didn't authorize fake travel docs for Afghans, says he didn't check email
Sajjan was defence minister at the time and McPhedran said she copied him and several other ministers on many emails about her activities. Sajjan told the committee he was so busy at the time he didn't have time to check his inbox.   

Minister didn't authorize fake travel docs for Afghans, says he didn't check email

Ninth day of public strike for federal workers

Ninth day of public strike for federal workers
The head of the Public Service Alliance of Canada says the government has yet to change their position on wage demands. National President Chris Aylward says his workers deserve a raise that keeps up with inflation and the current offer of nine per cent over three years doesn't cut it.

Ninth day of public strike for federal workers

Motorcycle collision in Surrey leaves one injured

Motorcycle collision in Surrey leaves one injured
On Wednesday at approximately 7:53 p.m., Surrey RCMP were on scene of a motorcycle collision occurred on 64 Avenue just west of Fraser Highway. One person has been transported to local area hospital with serious possibly life threatening injuries.   

Motorcycle collision in Surrey leaves one injured