This summer, Premier Danielle Smith invites Albertans to share their innermost xenophobic urges-er, policy preferences-with the “Alberta Next” survey. Among six charming proposals is a referendum-worthy question: Should the province withhold social services from non‑citizens and non‑permanent residents unless they hold an “Alberta‑approved immigration permit”?
Smith’s video frame features cost‑of‑living doomscrolling: immigrants blamed for everything from rent spikes to existential dread. But don’t worry-the cost savings from ditching social support will apparently pay for… well, something.
This brave new survey-complete with 15 panelists and town halls-promises an uplift of civic pride… unless you’re not an Alberta‑approved immigrant. Still, it’s democracy in action, Alberta‑style: cranky, performative, and oddly uplifting for the province’s overheated “us vs. them” narrative. Will punters vote yes? Either way, Ottawa’s probably rolling its eyes-again.
