Reactions have been coming in to Premier Danielle Smith’s announcement of a referendum on several questions happening this fall.
Some critics, including NDP Deputy Leader Rakhi Pancholi, are calling the referendum a “distraction” from other issues facing Albertans.
“We keep seeing these announcements, one right after the other, that seem to be very far away from the priorities of Albertans, whether it be separatism or the nine new referendum questions. I think I speak for many Albertans across the province who are saying enough is enough. This UCP government did not campaign on separatism. They did not campaign on these referendum questions that the premier is putting out now.”
Pancholi has also been calling on the Premier to “take it to Albertans in a general election.”
One of those referendum questions is on immigration.
Pancholi says while it’s important to have conversations on responsible immigration levels, there is some responsibility the province has to take.
“The Premier has to take responsibility for actively encouraging population growth in this province as well, but without the plan to create the jobs or build the houses, or hospitals, or schools that were needed even before the population boom. To now point the finger at just the population boom I feel is irresponsible.”
The full interview can be heard below.
– Kyle Moore, Trending 55 Newsroom
