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(Image Credit: Public Interest Alberta)
Estimated turnout of 75 people

Small but engaged group shows up for Public Interest Alberta referendum town hall in Lethbridge

Sep 3, 2026 | 2:25 PM

Close to 75 people turned last night for a Lethbridge event, put on by Public Interest Alberta, discussing next month’s provincial referendum. 

While much of the conversation surrounded separation, executive director Bradley Lafortune said another ballot question was also prominent. 

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

“They pay income taxes. They pay property taxes. They pay their federal taxes. They pay their GST,” Lafortune points outs.

“And, now we’re going to say, no, we can’t afford to provide basic services for you.”

Lafortune believes the question could come back to bite premier Danielle Smith.

A third session is planned for Edmonton Thursday evening.

At least two more southern Alberta sessions are planned for Medicine Hat and the Piikani Nation, however, the details have yet to be made public.