As Alberta approaches the October 19, 2026 referendum, public discussion around immigration and non-permanent residents (NPRs) has become increasingly prominent. To help support the informed discussion of the immigration questions, The Muttart Foundation has published a new Research and Analysis Series authored by economist Dr. Gillian Petit.

Drawing on census data, labour force statistics, and federal immigration data, the series examines who is living in Alberta, the contributions immigrants and non-permanent residents make to the province, and what available evidence suggests about the immigration-related referendum questions Albertans will be asked to consider.

The four-part series explores key questions related to immigration and non-permanent residents:

  1. Immigrants and Non-Permanent Residents: Who Is Actually in Alberta?
  2. What Do Immigrants Contribute to Alberta?
  3. What Do Non-Permanent Residents Contribute to Alberta?
  4. Brining It All Together: What Does the Evidence Say about the Referendum Questions?

To read the full Research and Analysis Series, click here