Some referendum questions flip to ‘no’ as the count continues in Alberta

EDMONTON — More of the constitutional questions in Alberta’s historic referendum have flipped to “no” with votes still being counted. Alberta voters went to the polls on Monday and were asked 10 different questions. The key question was on separation and roughly 75 per cent of votes backed staying in Canada, but it has taken longer to count votes on the nine other questions.

Early results showed Albertans were in favour of proposals such as choosing their own judges, abolishing the Senate and changing the Constitution to boost provincial rights. But the “no” side pulled ahead Thursday as the counting continued. The “yes” side continued to lead on questions dealing with immigration, but the margins were tight.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith had already claimed victory on the immigration questions, saying it appeared she was going to be given clear direction from voters to move ahead, although she hinted it could take some time for her government to act. She acknowledged the immigration questions were set to pass with small margins, with urban ridings in Calgary and Edmonton largely voting “no.” “I think that’s something we have to be mindful of,” Smith said at a news conference Wednesday, adding that the government would proceed with caution. She said she spoke with Prime Minister Mark Carney and that he was accepting of the idea that Albertans want to see more collaboration between the two levels of government on immigration.

She said she was putting together a proposal to submit to Ottawa. Smith, speaking to reporters before the count was finished, conceded that the constitutional matters seem to be less important to Albertans, adding there’s valid skepticism as constitutional amendments can be lengthy exercises. “Albertans would just rather that we spend our time focusing on things where we can make some meaningful change,” Smith said.

“And I think that’s a message we’ll take away. We have to focus on the things that Albertans want us focusing on.” Here are the questions: 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? — Question 2: Do you support the government of Alberta introducing a law mandating that only Canadian citizens, permanent r…