Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is defending a series of referendum questions focused on immigration reform, emphasizing the government's stance that not all newcomers contribute positively to provincial finances. In a televised address, Smith explained that her United Conservative Party government plans to put forward nine questions for a province-wide referendum scheduled for October 19. These questions are controversial, as they suggest measures to limit access to healthcare, education, and social services for certain immigrants, and include proposals for constitutional changes related to the Senate and judicial appointments.

The Opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) has condemned these questions as deceptive distractions aimed at diverting attention from more pressing budgetary issues. Premier Smith argues that the government must take action in response to Alberta's challenging economic climate, which is characterized by volatile oil prices and an increasing population that places strain on housing, education, and healthcare systems. She contends that the influx of newcomers must be managed to ensure resources are adequately aligned with growing demands.

The discourse surrounding these proposed policies raises significant questions about the impact on immigrant communities and whether they unfairly target specific groups. Smith defends the measures by stressing the necessity of balancing immigration with the capacity of the province's infrastructure to accommodate newcomers. This initiative is expected to ignite debates about immigration policy and provincial fiscal responsibilities leading up to the referendum, making it a crucial issue in Alberta's upcoming political landscape.