Alberta Referendum: Banff-Kananaskis Splits With Province On Immigration

Alberta voters have had their say on immigration, but Banff-Kananaskis isn't entirely on the same page.

While a majority of Albertans supported all five immigration and citizenship-related proposals in the Oct. 19 referendum, unofficial Elections Alberta results show Banff-Kananaskis rejected three measures concerning access to health care, education and social services.

The results carry particular significance in the Bow Valley, where international workers are an important part of the tourism economy and many residents were born outside Canada.

The results come as Albertans also voted overwhelmingly against beginning the process of separating from Canada.

In an interview with Bow Valley Insider, Banff Mayor Corrie DiManno said the results reflect the region's relationship with immigration.

"One in every three residents here in the Bow Valley were born outside of Canada," DiManno said.

"They pay taxes here, they send their kids to school here, they raise their families here, they can contribute, they volunteer, and so they're very much a part of our community."

DiManno believes the way residents voted reflects how the region values foreign-born residents and those considering moving to the Bow Valley.

"I would say that the Bow Valley has sent a message with the way that we voted on these questions that we value and respect foreign-born Albertans and that's for the folks that are currently here and for anybody that is looking to come and work here."

How Did Alberta And Banff-Kananaskis Vote?

According to Elections Alberta's unofficial referendum results, Albertans supported all five immigration and citizenship-related questions, while Banff-Kananaskis opposed three.

The proposals addressed provincial control over immigration, eligibility for publicly funded services, residency requirements for social supports, fees for certain temporary residents and proof of citizenship when voting.

Banff-Kananaskis narrowly supported the first question, with 8,479 voting in favour of increased provincial control over immigration and 8,226 voting against it.

However, the division opposed the next three proposals, all concerning access to provincially funded services.

On Question 2, which proposed limiting eligibility for provincial programs to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals with an Alberta-approved immigration status, 54.5 per cent of Banff-Kananaskis voters opposed the measure.

Similarly, 50.5 per cent voted against requiring certain non-permanent residents to live in Alberta for at least 12 months before qualifying for provincial social supports.

On Question 4, 51.5 per cent opposed charging certain non-permanent residents fees or premiums for health care and education.

The fifth question, which proposed requiring proof of citizenship to vote in provincial elections, received majority support in both Alberta and Banff-Kananaskis.

Beyond immigration, Albertans also voted on four questions concerning constitutional changes and provincial authority.

Banff-Kananaskis opposed all four constitutional proposals, while Alberta-wide voters supported three of them.

The final question concerned Alberta's future within Canada.

Voters were asked whether Alberta should remain a province or whether the government should begin the legal process required to hold a binding provincial referendum on separation.

In Banff-Kananaskis, 21,008 voters supported remaining in Canada, compared with 5,052 who supported beginning the legal process for a binding separation referendum.

The figures represent the Banff-Kananaskis electoral division, which extends beyond the Bow Valley.

Why The Immigration Questions Matter Locally

For DiManno, the results raise concerns about Banff's ability to attract and retain international residents and workers.

She expressed concern about what potential changes could mean for Banff's ability to attract and retain international workers and residents.

"We here in the Bow Valley pride ourselves on having a reputation of welcoming not only visitors from around the world but residents from around the world and just the fact that we've asked these questions is harmful to foreign-born folks," she said.

"It likely makes them feel like second-class citizens and that is just not right."

DiManno said access to essential services such as health care, education and social supports is an important part of making Banff a reliable place to live and work.

The Bow Valley's tourism economy relies on workers from around the world, while local businesses continue to face challenges recruiting and retaining employees.

DiManno said roughly 30 per cent of Banff's population turns over every five years, creating unique workforce and community challenges.

"We want to remain a reliable home for people who are looking to move here from all over the world," she said.

"And part of that reliability is knowing that you'll have access to basic services."

Those concerns are also being raised by the Job Resource Centre, which helps connect Bow Valley employers with workers.

Mackenzie Tindal, employer services coordinator with the Job Resource Centre, said the referendum results raise questions about the future of the region's workforce.

"Employers in the Bow Valley already face recruitment and retention challenges," Tindal said.

"So any changes that affect the ability of international workers to come here, to work here, or to remain here could have implications for local businesses."

Tindal said the organization is particularly interested in Question 2, which proposed restricting eligibility for provincially funded programs based on citizenship or immigration status.

She said potential restrictions on access to health care, education and social services could make Alberta less attractive to international workers.

However, Tindal cautioned that eligibility for provincial programs already varies depending on immigration status and the type of service. The impact of any changes would depend on how the government designs the rules.

In the meantime, she recommended that employers review staffing needs, improve employee retention strategies and address existing barriers such as housing and transportation.

What Happens Next?

Although the provincial results showed support for the immigration proposals, exactly how the Alberta government will respond remains to be seen.

According to the province's Alberta Next referendum information, the questions were developed following recommendations from the Alberta Next Panel, which examined issues including immigration and federal-provincial relations.

The referendum itself does not introduce new laws or immediately change eligibility for provincial services. Any proposed changes would require further government action.

Tindal said it is too early to determine how potential policy changes could affect local hiring. Regardless of what happens next, she said housing, wages and employee retention will remain important factors for Bow Valley employers.

DiManno said Banff will be watching closely.

"We will be watching very closely to see what the province does with this information as it relates to the questions on immigration but in some ways the damage has been done," she said.

The mayor confirmed Banff will continue advocating for residents' access to essential services as the province considers its next steps.

"We will continue to advocate to the province where we can on immigration and folks' ability to access social services."

DiManno also pointed to previous efforts by Banff, Canmore and Jasper to secure provincial recognition of tourism-based communities and their unique needs.

Before the 2023 provincial election, the municipalities worked together to advocate for recognition that could eventually support additional resources for resort communities.

She suggested those discussions could be renewed ahead of the next provincial election.

For now, important questions remain about whether the province will introduce legislation, what those changes could look like and how they would affect people already living and working in Alberta.

Local Leaders Respond To Separation Results

While Banff-Kananaskis differed from the provincial majority on several immigration proposals, voters across Alberta and the electoral division agreed on one major question: remaining in Canada.

Before the referendum, both Bow Valley mayors had publicly expressed their support for Canadian unity.

As previously reported by Bow Valley Insider on Oct. 8, Canmore council unanimously passed a resolution supporting Canadian unity, warning that separation could create economic and legal uncertainty for municipalities, residents and businesses already dealing with housing, affordability and staffing challenges.

Prime Minister Mark Carney also welcomed the provincial results in an Oct. 20 statement.

"Above all, Albertans chose Canada," Carney said.

He described the outcome as an opportunity for Canadians to move forward together, pointing to trade, economic development and major infrastructure projects.

For the Bow Valley Immigration Partnership, the referendum results have raised concerns about how uncertainty could affect local residents.

The regional organization, which works with municipalities, businesses and community groups to support newcomers and build a more inclusive Bow Valley, acknowledged that some residents may have questions about what the results mean for their future.

"We recognize that prolonged uncertainty can be difficult and can impact people's wellbeing and sense of belonging," BVIP said in a statement to the Bow Valley Insider.

The organization said it will continue bringing together residents, employers, schools, health agencies, municipalities and community groups to strengthen local support systems.

"By strengthening local systems, we can build regional resilience for the future," BVIP said.

"We are stronger together."

DiManno said she was relieved by the result on separation and hopes governments can now return their attention to everyday concerns.

"It's a tremendous relief that Albertans decided to stay in Canada," she said.

"I'm ready to move forward with the provincial government in addressing challenges affecting everyday Albertans' lives including Banffites."

For the Bow Valley, that includes housing, affordability and access to essential services, alongside the question of how future provincial immigration policies could affect a community shaped by people from around the world.

Official referendum results are scheduled to be published by Elections Alberta on Oct. 29.