TIES CEO ‘Disappointed’ with Immigration Referendum Results

TIES (The Immigrant Education Society) President & CEO Sally Zhao is expressing disappointment with the results of the immigration vote in the recent Alberta Referendum. 

“We understand everyone has their own right to have their voice heard; but obviously we feel disappointed,” she says.

Albertans were asked a total of five immigration questions. They included whether the province should have more control over immigration, as well as whether some immigrants should pay a fee for certain basic services.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the majority of the immigration questions had narrowly passed . However, Zhao says it’s important to note that most Albertans passed on those questions altogether— choosing not to vote on them.

Zhao points out that many of the questions were “wordy” and “confusing” – likely resulting in a lower vote. She’s also optimistic that since the gap between “yes” and “no” was so close, Albertans still support immigration.

“Since many Albertans didn’t even vote on those questions maybe it means they are happy with the status quo,” she says.  

“I really hope the government will look at the results very closely, very carefully, and rethink what is the best way going forward.”  

“Unfair” Treatment

Zhao says restricting and denying basic rights to healthcare and education — for a certain segment of the population— is “simply not fair”..

“It doesn’t really make sense. Healthcare for example, if they (newcomers) cannot pay they will get sick and spread that sickness to others,” she points out.

“Education is really a concern. Children are our future. If they don’t receive a proper education – the immediate concern is where will they go? They will end up on the street.  And in the future if they don’t have the proper education, they will not be equipped to contribute to the future of Alberta.”

“We all know immigrants are contributing a lot to this province and this country. They should be getting the same benefits as everybody else – to be treated fairly.”

Negative Impact on Alberta

Alberta businesses have also raised concerns about the impact that lower immigration will have on their operations. Immigrants fill a lot of jobs that other workers simply don’t want.

Zhao worries that if people do not feel welcome, they will not come. Ultimately hurting Alberta’s ability to attract and recruit skilled workers.

“Alberta heavily relies on immigration so whatever policies we have to take into consideration the best way for Alberta to build the strongest economy going forward.”

“This will hurt all of us.”

The results of the five immigration questions are not binding and would require constitutional changes to implement. Zhao hopes that will give the government time to carefully consider any decisions.

The Questions in Depth

Ballot Question 1: Do you support the Government of Alberta taking increased control over immigration for the purposes of decreasing immigration to more sustainable levels, prioritizing economic migration and giving Albertans first priority on new employment opportunities?

Ballot Question 2: Do you support the Government of Alberta introducing a law mandating that only Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals with an Alberta-approved immigration status will be eligible for provincially-funded programs, such as health care, education and other social services?  

Ballot Question 3: Assuming that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents continue to qualify for social support programs as they do now, do you support the Government of Alberta introducing a law requiring all individuals with a non-permanent legal immigration status to reside in Alberta for at least 12 months before qualifying for any provincially- funded social support programs?

Ballot Question 4: Assuming that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents continue to qualify for public health care and education as they do now, do you support the Government of Alberta charging a reasonable fee or premium to individuals with a non-permanent immigration status living in Alberta for their and their family’s use of the health care and education systems?

Ballot Question 5: Do you support the Government of Alberta introducing a law requiring individuals to provide proof of citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate or citizenship card, to vote in an Alberta provincial election?

Additional information:

https://calgaryherald.com/business/alberta-referendum-questions-could-deter-skilled-workers-add-costs-for-businesses-observers-say

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNLP7i2OGSc

https://calgaryherald.com/news/alberta-referendum-questions-need-to-know

https://www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/article/new-albertans-need-more-supports-not-less-advocates-say/

https://www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/article/what-would-charging-temporary-residents-for-health-care-and-education-mean-for-alberta/

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Media RSVP, Interviews & Inquiries:

Tomasia DaSilva

Media and Relationship Strategist

Email: tomasiadasilva@immigrant-education.ca

Phone: 403-291-0002