Prime Minister Mark Carney has signalled openness to granting Alberta greater control over immigration policy, potentially paving the way for a landmark agreement similar to Quebec's three-decade-old accord with Ottawa.
When pressed by reporters on Parliament Hill Wednesday about whether the federal government would consider a Quebec-style immigration arrangement for Alberta, Carney responded cautiously but non-committally: "We'll see."
The remarks come after Albertans delivered a resounding message at the ballot box this week. More than one million residents voted in a provincial referendum on immigration control, with 53 per cent supporting greater provincial authority to manage newcomer intake and reach "sustainable levels" of immigration. Official results are expected next week.
Quebec's Blueprint
Carney acknowledged Quebec's unique position, citing the province's distinct culture and language as factors in its 1991 Canada-Quebec accord—a deal that granted Quebec the power to set its own economic immigration targets following the failed Meech Lake negotiations.
"Quebec is distinct," Carney said, while noting Ottawa will continue discussions with all provinces about immigration levels.
Alberta Prepares Formal Proposal
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wasted no time capitalizing on the referendum results. At a Calgary press conference Wednesday, she revealed her government is preparing a formal proposal for federal consideration, drawing inspiration directly from Quebec's 1991 framework.
"We have been looking for some inspiration from Quebec's 1991 Canada-Quebec accord," Smith said, signalling Alberta's willingness to model any agreement on that precedent.
Smith also confirmed she had discussed the matter with Carney the previous day, suggesting direct engagement at the highest levels of government.
Ottawa Claims Control
In his formal remarks, Carney pushed back against criticism that his government has lost control of immigration policy. He argued the federal government has "retaken control" and is actively listening to provincial concerns.
"We have been having discussions with the provinces' first ministers around getting immigration, first and foremost, to the right levels," Carney stated. "I just want to underscore we will not budge from overall levels that are sustainable. We're getting them to that level now."
Opposition Demands Action
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has seized on the immigration debate as a key political issue. Speaking in Calgary Tuesday, he criticized Carney for being "out of touch" on immigration policy, pointing to recent comments the prime minister made to The New York Times about increasing immigration numbers.
"Immigration is totally out of control," Poilievre argued, contending that provinces should have significantly more authority over intake numbers since they bear the responsibility of delivering services to newcomers.
The political stakes continue to rise as Alberta's referendum result demonstrates strong voter demand for change—and federal leadership appears increasingly willing to consider structural solutions that could reshape Canada's immigration governance for years to come.
This story is based on reporting from Global Calgary.