Referendum questions 'scapegoat' immigrant communities: Parkland Institute report

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeLocal NewsPolitics Referendum questions 'scapegoat' immigrant communities: Parkland Institute report 'The province is seeking to shift the blame for overcrowded schools and healthcare crisis onto a tiny minority' Author of the article: By Cindy Tran Published Sep 16, 2026 3 minute read Join the conversation Albertans will be asked a question about potential separation from Canada in the fall referendum, but also several immigration-related questions. PHOTO BY SHAUGHN BUTTS /Postmedia Article content A new Parkland Institute report says the five immigration questions on the fall referendum are being used as a political tactic to blame minorities for the strain in public service and affordability. Article content Bronwyn Bragg, an assistant professor at the University of Lethbridge and author of the report, said Albertans are experiencing challenges accessing public services such as a family doctor shortage, long wait times for services and overcrowded classrooms. Bragg said the questions are being used to “scapegoat” immigrant and migrant communities. Article content Article content Article content “While the premier sought to grow Alberta’s population, the provincial government has done little to grow service capacity at the same time,” Bragg said at a webinar on Wednesday. Article content Headline News Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content “The province is seeking to shift the blame for overcrowded schools and healthcare crisis onto a tiny minority.” Article content Article content In the report, Bragg said shifting the blame for Alberta’s economic and political challenges to minority communities is likely effective strategy given the broader trend of failing support for immigration. Article content Bragg said the five immigration questions on the Oct. 19 ballot appeals to a “common-sense” logic about the province taking responsibility over immigration and the costs associated with temporary residents, however, she said there is no evidence backing up the questions. Article content The first immigration question asks, “do you support the Government of Alberta taking increased control over immigration for the purposes of decreasing immigration to more…