Southern Alberta Way

Good stewardship means managing what we have responsibly, not just for today, but for the future.

When it comes to provincially funded programs, that means thinking carefully about how taxpayer-funded services are used, how eligibility is determined, and how Alberta can continue supporting both current residents and newcomers.

Question #3 raises an important discussion about timing, residency, and long-term sustainability.

How can Alberta be a good steward of the services people rely on?

This week we're continuing our look at Referendum Question #3.

Rather than asking who should be eligible for provincially funded social support programs, this question asks when eligibility should begin for individuals with a non-permanent legal immigration status.

One reason this question has been proposed is that provinces already establish eligibility rules for many publicly funded programs. The discussion is whether Alberta should introduce a 12-month residency requirement before temporary residents become eligible for provincially funded social support programs.

Throughout the week, we'll continue exploring the policy behind this question, the arguments for and against it, and how residency requirements work in practice.

As always, our goal is to provide context, encourage respectful discussion, and help Albertans make informed decisions.

What questions do you still have about Question #3?

Happy Canada Day!

Today we celebrate the country we call home, its people, its freedoms, its communities, and the opportunities that continue to shape our future.

Canada has always been strengthened by citizens who care deeply about their communities and who are willing to participate in respectful conversations about the future of our country.

As we continue our Referendum Series this week, we're reminded that one of the strengths of our democracy is the ability to discuss important issues, hear different perspectives, and participate in the decisions that shape our future.

From all of us at Southern Alberta Way, we wish you a safe and happy Canada Day!

🗳️ Poll Time!

This week's referendum question asks whether individuals with a non-permanent legal immigration status should be required to live in Alberta for 12 months before becoming eligible for provincially funded social support programs.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents would continue to qualify as they do now.

Today's question is simple:

Do you support a 12-month residency requirement before temporary residents become eligible for provincially funded social support programs?

Vote in the poll and let us know your thoughts in the comments. As always, we encourage respectful discussion and welcome a variety of perspectives.

This week we're exploring Referendum Question #3 in Alberta's 2026 Referendum Series.

This question asks whether individuals with a non-permanent legal immigration status should be required to live in Alberta for at least 12 months before becoming eligible for provincially funded social support programs.

It's important to note that Canadian citizens and permanent residents would continue to qualify as they do now.

This question isn't about who is eligible for these programs, it's about when individuals with temporary legal status would become eligible.

Throughout the week, we'll explore what this question means, why it's being proposed, and how residency requirements already play a role in some provincially funded programs.

As always, our goal is to provide context, encourage respectful discussion, and help Albertans better understand each referendum question.

What was your first reaction when you read Question #3?

As we wrap up our discussion of Referendum Question #2, one theme has come up again and again: planning.

Regardless of where we stand on this question, strong communities depend on thoughtful planning for healthcare, education, housing, infrastructure, and the public services Albertans rely on every day.

Thank you to everyone who shared your thoughts, asked questions, and participated respectfully throughout the week. These conversations help us better understand the issues and the different perspectives surrounding them.

Next week, we'll continue our Referendum Series by exploring another ballot question and the ideas behind it.

Have a wonderful weekend!

"I am a Canadian, a free Canadian, free to speak without fear."

— John Diefenbaker

A healthy democracy depends on informed citizens who are willing to ask questions, share ideas, and engage respectfully with one another.

Over the past week, we've explored Alberta's first referendum question and welcomed a wide range of perspectives in the comments. Whether people agree or disagree, respectful discussion helps strengthen our communities and our democracy.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to participate. We look forward to continuing the conversation as we explore the remaining referendum questions in the weeks ahead.

Why is Referendum Question #2 being proposed?

As Alberta's population continues to grow, demand for provincially funded programs and services has also increased. According to the Alberta government, providing provincially funded services to temporary residents is estimated to cost Alberta taxpayers more than $1 billion each year.

Question #2 asks Albertans whether eligibility for provincially funded programs, such as healthcare, education, income support, housing supports, and other social services, should be limited to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and individuals with an Alberta-approved immigration status.

Supporters argue this would help ensure taxpayer-funded services remain sustainable and available for those who are eligible under provincial legislation. Others may have concerns about how such a policy would be implemented and who it would affect.

Our goal is to explain the referendum questions, provide context, and encourage respectful discussion from a variety of perspectives.

What are your thoughts on Question #2?

Sustainability is about more than protecting our environment, it's also about ensuring our communities can grow in a way that is thoughtful, balanced, and built to last.

As Alberta continues to welcome new residents through immigration and migration from across Canada, growth brings both opportunities and responsibilities. It requires planning for housing, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and the public services that help our communities thrive.

This week's referendum discussion asks Albertans to consider what role the province should play in managing that growth. Whatever your perspective, sustainability means looking beyond today and making decisions that support both current residents and future generations.

What does sustainability mean to you?

As we continue our discussion of Referendum Question #1, today's question focuses on who should have a role in determining immigration levels affecting Alberta.

Immigration remains a federal responsibility, but provinces experience the impacts of population growth through housing, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and labour markets.

The referendum question asks whether Alberta should have increased control over immigration levels and priorities affecting the province.

For today's poll:

Who do you think should have the biggest say in immigration levels affecting Alberta?

Vote in our stories and let us know what you think.