Alberta bishops urge voters to consider compassion and common good ahead of October 19 referendum
Anglican and Catholic leaders have written open letters asking Albertans to think beyond self-interest when voting on five immigration measures. Polls show majority leaning yes.
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Alberta's Anglican and Catholic bishops have written open letters to their congregations urging voters to consider compassion and the common good when voting on five immigration measures in the October 19 referendum—a plea that neither endorses nor opposes specific ballot positions but pushes back against what religious leaders see as a narrower framing of the question.
The referendum would grant Alberta government moral authority to ask Ottawa for more control over immigration numbers. Polls have indicated Albertans leaning yes on the measures.
Three Anglican bishops—The Most Rev. Greg Kerr-Wilson (Calgary), the Rt. Rev. David Greenwood (Athabasca), and the Rt. Rev. Stephen London (Edmonton)—wrote: "Jesus is clear that our neighbour is not just those who we think truly belong; rather, we have a responsibility to support and protect the lives, dignity, and worth of everyone we meet, regardless of their identity or status in our eyes." They urged followers to reflect "not only in terms of what is best for ourselves as individuals, or best for Alberta alone, but rather with a concern for the common good. In other words, with an eye for how our decisions will impact all our neighbours – especially those who are most vulnerable."
Five Catholic bishops—including Rev. Stephen A. Hero, Archbishop of Edmonton—signed their own letter emphasizing that "more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome those seeking safety and the means of livelihood." They acknowledged that "legitimate concerns about resources and access to public services merit careful consideration" but warned these must be addressed "in ways that respect human dignity and avoid making any segment of our population the object of resentment or blame."
Alberta Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Joseph Schow said the ballot measures targeting temporary foreign workers and students would not affect those with permanent residency in Canada. The referendum question remains contested: the bishops are not taking sides, but asking voters to think harder about the stakes beyond their own circumstances.
Will either letter move voters who have already decided, or do congregants align with their bishops' view?
What specific concerns about resources and services is the Catholic letter acknowledging as legitimate?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
When is Alberta's immigration referendum?
The referendum is on October 19, 2026.
How many immigration measures are on the ballot?
Five immigration measures are included in the referendum.
What would the referendum authorize?
It would grant the Alberta government moral authority to ask Ottawa for more control over immigration numbers.
Do the ballot measures affect permanent residents?
No. Alberta Minister Joseph Schow confirmed the measures targeting temporary foreign workers and students would not affect those with permanent residency in Canada.
