Canmore Mayor Warns Immigration Changes Could Drive Newcomers Away.

Nearly 80 percent of Banff-Kananaskis voters supported remaining in Canada, a result Canmore Mayor Sean Krausert says reinforces council's position on Canadian unity. But it's the immigration-related questions that have him looking ahead with concern.

In an interview with Bow Valley Insider on Oct. 21, Krausert welcomed the referendum results, particularly after Canmore council unanimously passed a resolution supporting Canadian unity earlier this month.

"The high vote to remain in Canada that came out of the Bow Valley just goes to show that when council made its unity resolution, we certainly were representative of the majority within our area," Krausert said.

According to Elections Alberta's unofficial results, as of 2 p.m. Oct.21, 21,618 Banff-Kananaskis voters supported remaining in Canada, compared with 5,487 who supported beginning the legal process for a future binding referendum on separation.

That represents approximately 79.8 percent support for remaining in Canada, compared with 75.2 percent provincewide.

The results cover the Banff-Kananaskis electoral division, which extends beyond the Bow Valley, and remain unofficial.

Council's Position On Canadian Unity

On Oct. 6, Canmore council unanimously approved a resolution supporting a united Canada and calling on the provincial government to pursue economic and intergovernmental solutions that strengthen Alberta's prosperity and stability within the country.

Introduced by Krausert, the resolution warned that separation could create economic, legal and governance uncertainty for municipalities, businesses and residents.

As previously reported by Bow Valley Insider, Krausert expressed concern that pursuing separation could divert attention from existing municipal challenges, including housing, affordability and staffing pressures.

But beyond the question of Canadian unity, Krausert said the referendum also raised concerns about the future of Canmore's international workforce.

Immigration Results Raise Concerns

Although all five immigration and citizenship-related proposals received majority support provincewide, Banff-Kananaskis voters rejected three measures concerning access to provincial services.

According to Elections Alberta's unofficial results, as of 2 p.m. on Oct. 21, 56.5 percent of Banff-Kananaskis voters opposed restricting eligibility for provincially funded programs, including health care, education and social services, based on citizenship or immigration status.

Another 55 percent opposed requiring certain non-permanent residents to live in Alberta for at least 12 months before qualifying for provincial social supports.

A third proposal, which would allow the province to charge certain non-permanent residents fees or premiums for health care and education, was decided by just 21 votes in Banff-Kananaskis, with 9,152 opposed and 9,131 in favour.

Krausert said he was not surprised by the region's response to the immigration questions.

"Immigration is so important to our economy and to the fabric of our community," he said.

"Our community is comprised of one in three people being born outside of Canada. Diversity and inclusion is who we are."

He pointed to a separate decision made by Canmore council on Sept. 1, when councillors formally acknowledged the importance of immigrants to the community.

Council also directed Krausert to write to the provincial and federal governments in support of immigration, equity, diversity and inclusion, and voting rights for permanent residents of Canada.

Krausert said he is concerned that potential changes to immigration policies and provincial services could discourage people from moving to the region.

"On a very practical level, it will create uncertainty for newcomers," he said.

"It will create uncertainty for employers, and that uncertainty will likely result in fewer newcomers coming to the Bow Valley."

Beyond the potential economic consequences, Krausert said he worries the proposals could also affect how welcome immigrants feel in the community.

"From an emotional and psychological perspective, the proposed changes suggested in the referendum questions will make immigrants feel like second-class citizens and work against community inclusivity," he said.

The mayor also raised concerns about what he described as misinformation surrounding the economic contributions of immigrants.

He said immigrants contribute to the local economy by paying taxes, operating businesses, creating jobs and filling important positions in the Bow Valley's workforce.

What Happens Next For Canmore?

With Albertans rejecting the proposal to begin the separation process, Krausert said he wants the provincial government to turn its attention back to municipal priorities.

"We have to move beyond the distraction brought about by the referendum and focus on increased infrastructure funding for municipalities, increased housing support, especially in the Bow Valley where the cost of living is so high," he said.

He also identified health care, education and the economy as priorities.

Krausert said he intends to continue advocating for increased immigration, access to foreign workers and greater support for newcomers.

Although several immigration-related proposals received majority support provincewide, the referendum was non-binding and does not immediately change provincial legislation or eligibility for services.

Any changes would require further government action.

Elections Alberta is scheduled to release official referendum results on Oct. 29.