Alberta referendum exposes politics of blaming immigrants

The ballot’s immigration questions reveal the troubling tendency to scapegoat newcomers for problems politicians have failed to solve.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, right, has said 'yes' votes in the Oct. 19 the referendum are needed to bargain with Prime Minister Mark Carney, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade.
Opinion
BY BHAGWANT SANDHU
October 22, 2026

OTTAWA—We can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Albertans have voted to remain in Canada, rejecting the plan to begin the process of separation. The country will not be broken apart—at least, no...

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