Referendum's Ballot Question 2 draws attention at Lethbridge town hall
Public Interest Alberta says a proposal to limit provincially funded programs to citizens and permanent residents is emerging as a key concern among residents attending its referendum town halls.
Why it matters
The referendum question could reshape who qualifies for provincially funded health care and other services in Alberta.
Public Interest Alberta has been hosting town hall sessions this week across Alberta to discuss an upcoming referendum, and while separation has drawn much of the public attention, the group says Ballot Question 2 is increasingly becoming a leading concern among attendees.
Ballot Question 2 asks Albertans whether they support a law restricting access to provincially funded programs to citizens or permanent residents only. Bradley Lafortune, executive director of Public Interest Alberta, said the measure is being framed as a way to ease pressure on schools, emergency rooms and the provincial deficit by removing access to those without citizenship status.
Lafortune noted the restriction would extend to health care premiums for non-citizens specifically. He compared the proposal to Ontario's approach, where health care coverage is extended to all residents regardless of citizenship or permanent resident status.
Lafortune hosted a town hall on the referendum in Lethbridge on Wednesday. He said he believes Ballot Question 2 could ultimately create political difficulties for Premier Danielle Smith.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.