Alberta Immigrant Communities Voice Concern Ahead of October Vote
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Concern is growing among some immigrant communities in Alberta ahead of the province's October 19, 2026 referendum, as Muslim and Sikh organizations report an increase in anti-immigrant rhetoric and hateful online comments.
Edmonton police have recorded 139 hate incidents and 43 hate crimes so far this year. Calgary police received 272 reports of suspected hate crimes or incidents, with 44 determined to be hate-motivated following investigation. Newcomers and immigrants were the most frequently targeted group.
Albertans will vote on 10 referendum questions on October 19, five of which deal with immigration policy. Another asks voters whether Alberta should remain a Canadian province or whether the government should begin the constitutional process required to pursue a future binding referendum on separation.
Community concerns have also intensified following the stabbing of two men at a Sikh temple in Edmonton. Police have not yet determined whether that attack was hate-motivated.
The Alberta government rejects claims that its referendum questions are contributing to anti-immigrant sentiment, arguing that the immigration questions focus instead on population pressures and public services.
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Tahani Elghazaly5414 Posts
