Carney hints at possible Alberta immigration pact similar to Quebec's 1991 deal

Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters he will not dismiss the idea of an Alberta-focused immigration agreement, similar to the 1991 Canada-Quebec accord that gave Quebec control over its economic immigration targets. He highlighted Quebec’s distinct cultural and linguistic character while indicating Ottawa will continue discussions with all provinces about immigration numbers. The remarks came after a provincial referendum showed roughly 53% of voters favoring increased provincial immigration authority.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said her team is preparing a proposal modeled on the Quebec deal. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the federal government’s immigration policy, and Immigration Minister Lena Diab declined to comment. Federal immigration targets have been lowered to 385,000 permanent residents for this year, with similar figures planned for the next two years.