Edmonton mayor calls nine immigration referendum questions racist, urges 'no' votes

Mayor Andrew Knack is directly opposing nine of the ten referendum questions voters will face October 19, calling them racist and xenophobic.

The nine questions focus on immigration policy and sustainability — distinct from the headline question about Alberta's place in Canada. Knack said during a July 8 council debate that the questions are triggering racist and xenophobic behaviour across the city.

"I feel they are racist questions," Knack said. "I feel those questions are designed to divide and I am strongly opposed to them."

Council voted 12-0 that day — with Ward tastawiyiniwak Coun. Karen Principe absent — to declare that Edmonton and Alberta are vital parts of Canada and that Alberta should remain a province. That was the city's official stance on the separation question itself.

Knack also told Postmedia he's heard from business leaders spooked by the referendum, asking whether they should proceed with hiring and expansion plans. Minority support groups have reported heightened amounts of "disrespect" since the immigration questions were announced.

"The way I have seen some of the reaction to the other nine questions is very much in a way that's designed to 'other' our neighbours," Knack said. "I will be voting against those nine immigration related referendum questions. I will be voting to stay in Canada."

A second motion to establish council's official position on the nine immigration questions will be debated when council resumes in August. Under Elections Alberta rules, councillors can voice personal opinions on public affairs, but the city cannot spend more than $1,000 to advocate for a position.