Danielle Smith targets immigration amid Alberta budget shortfall

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith warned of a difficult provincial budget and linked immigration and asylum seekers to fiscal pressures, and she announced nine referendum questions — including five on immigration — to be held in October.

Alberta's premier delivered a televised address saying a difficult provincial budget is coming and framing immigration as part of the fiscal picture. She unveiled nine referendum questions that will be put to voters in October, several of which concern immigration policy. The article contrasts this recent rhetoric with earlier statements from the premier asking for more newcomers. It also notes provincial data on migration and comments on the province's tax choices as background to the fiscal discussion. Key facts: - Premier Danielle Smith said a tough provincial budget is coming and linked immigrants and asylum seekers to fiscal pressures. - She announced nine referendum questions for October, with five relating to immigration, including proposals such as a one-year residency waiting period for social supports and a proposed "user fee" for services. - The article cites provincial figures showing net migration to Alberta peaked around July 2023 and that between January and September of last year the province recorded 19,093 international immigrants. - The article notes Alberta's fiscal position is affected by tax choices, such as the absence of a provincial sales tax, and states the planned referendums would not by themselves change federal institutions or some provincial appointment processes. Summary: The article reports that Premier Smith is linking immigration to upcoming budget pressures and has scheduled a set of referendum questions on immigration for October. It also highlights migration figures and provincial tax choices as part of the background to the fiscal debate, and notes the piece's view that the referendums do not have direct authority over federal institutions.