Highwood voters back immigration questions at higher rates than Alberta province-wide

Unofficial results from Alberta's referendum show voters in the Highwood electoral district — which includes Okotoks — backed the first five questions on immigration and voting more strongly than the province did overall, while splitting differently on constitutional matters.

On Question 1, asking whether Alberta should take increased control over immigration, Highwood voters said yes at 66 per cent compared to 55 per cent province-wide. Support for requiring only Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Alberta-approved immigrants to access provincial programs (Question 2) reached 63 per cent in Highwood versus 52 per cent across Alberta.

Question 3, on whether non-permanent residents should wait 12 months before accessing social programs, drew 64 per cent yes in Highwood and 53 per cent province-wide. On Question 4 — charging fees to non-permanent residents for health care and education — Highwood voters supported it 62 per cent to Alberta's 52 per cent. Question 5, requiring proof of citizenship to vote in provincial elections, won 68 per cent support in Highwood and 58 per cent across the province.

The constitutional questions showed wider divergence. On Question 6, asking whether provinces should select provincial court justices, Highwood voters backed it 58 per cent while Alberta voted no 55 per cent. Question 7, on abolishing the Senate, passed 60 per cent in Highwood but failed 53 per cent across Alberta. Questions 8 and 9, on provincial opt-outs from federal programs and provincial rights protection, saw Highwood say yes at 54 and 56 per cent respectively, while Alberta voted no on both.

The pattern reflects Okotoks-area voters leaning toward stronger provincial autonomy on immigration and voting policy while supporting measures Alberta as a whole rejected on federal-provincial jurisdiction.