September 9, 2026· Western Standard
Smith Advisor Pushes Back Against Calling Alberta's Referendum 'Anti-Immigrant'
Bruce McAllister, executive director of Premier Smith's office, rejected critics' claim that the October 19 referendum's immigration questions are "anti-immigrant," calling it "the ugliest possible reading" of the ballot.
Bruce McAllister, executive director of Premier Danielle Smith's office, has publicly rejected the charge that Alberta's October 19 referendum is "anti-immigrant."
Responding to political scientist Duane Bratt on social media, McAllister said critics were taking "the ugliest possible reading" of the ballot. "Albertans have every right to weigh in on whether we want more control over the numbers" and economic mix of newcomers, he wrote, arguing that managing immigration levels is "how you keep a welfare state from buckling" — "not hate."
The referendum includes several questions on immigration. Smith has said the vote is about reprioritizing government services for citizens, permanent residents and Albertans who have "built this province," not about targeting immigrants.