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Ahead of Alberta's Oct. 19 referendum, University of Alberta students share views on immigration and separation, with a CBC Edmonton panel discussion set for Oct. 2.
Alberta is just weeks away from its Oct. 19 referendum, where voters will decide on 10 questions covering the constitution, immigration, and separation. CBC Edmonton is partnering with the University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU) to livestream a student-focused discussion titled What Happens Next, examining the aftermath of the vote. The panel, featuring Jason Kenney, Keith Wilson, and Marie Gordon, will take place on Oct. 2 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the University of Alberta.
Student Concerns on Immigration and Separation
Melanie Osuzan, a 21-year-old University of Alberta student, says she is worried and angry about the upcoming referendum, particularly the questions on separation and immigration. She argues that permanent residents contribute taxes daily and deserve the same services as everyone else. Osuzan, who will vote to stay in Canada, struggles when she hears her father, a welder, repeat negative stereotypes about immigrants, not realizing he is one of them. She emphasizes that both separatists and federalists need to be heard and work together on solutions, warning that division is a tool used by those who do not want success.
Naomi Metz, a second-year mechanical engineering student, is also concerned about political division in Alberta. She plans to vote to stay in Canada but fears the long-term consequences of the referendum. Metz says she is really scared for the mood, especially in Alberta.
Nava Martinez, another student, holds a different view. He believes Alberta gives away too much money to other provinces and will vote for separation. Martinez, whose parents immigrated from Mexico decades ago, says they received almost no support yet still succeeded. He argues for stricter regulations on money given to immigrants and says his biggest worry is voter turnout, hoping Albertans vote in record numbers.
Panelists Bring Diverse Perspectives
The UASU has secured three panelists with a mix of opinions for the What Happens Next forum. Marie Gordon is an award-winning family lawyer and educator who has earned the Alberta Order of Excellence. She advocates for remaining in Canada to preserve constitutional order and protect individual rights.
Keith Wilson is an Edmonton-area lawyer, businessman, and leader of the pro-independence group Let Alberta Decide. Jason Kenney, a former Alberta premier and former Conservative federal minister, is urging Albertans to vote to stay in Canada. The session will be moderated by CBC.
It is a closed campus event, but CBC Edmonton has been invited to livestream the panel on TikTok, YouTube, and online for the public. The discussion aims to provide a platform for students to hear a range of opinions ahead of the referendum.
Referendum Questions and Background
The Oct. 19 referendum will ask Albertans to vote on 10 questions related to the constitution, immigration, and separation. One question focuses on whether permanent residents should receive the same services as citizens, a topic that has sparked debate across the province. The referendum is seen as a pivotal moment for Alberta's place within Canada, with advocates on both sides urging high voter turnout.
As the date approaches, students like Osuzan, Metz, and Martinez represent a microcosm of the broader provincial conversation. Their views highlight the personal impact of the referendum questions and the deep divisions that have emerged. The What Happens Next forum, organized by CBC Edmonton and UASU, seeks to foster dialogue and inform voters about the potential outcomes of the vote.
The livestreamed event on Oct. 2 will allow a wider audience to engage with the panelists' perspectives. With the referendum just weeks away, such discussions are crucial for helping Albertans make informed decisions on the 10 questions that will shape the province's future.
Alberta Referendum University Of Alberta Jason Kenney CBC Edmonton Immigration Separation October 19 Vote
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