The October 19 provincial referendum will ask Albertan voters 10 questions, nine of them concern policy issues. Voters are asked five questions to indicate their stances on increasing provincial control over immigration to prioritize economic migration; limiting provincial social services to citizens, permanent residents, and Alberta-approved immigrants; requiring non-permanent residents to stay in Alberta for more than 12 months before accessing provincial social services; charging non-permanent residents a premium for using provincial social services; and new rules regarding requirements to vote in a provincial election.

Albertans are also asked four questions regarding their opinion on amending the constitution, including allowing the provincial government to select provincial justices; abolishing the federal Senate; allowing provinces to opt out of federal social services programs; and prioritizing provincial laws over federal laws in matters under provincial or shared jurisdictions. The speaker will address these questions and discuss the underlying motivation for holding such referendums, including the 10th question regarding Alberta separation.

Speaker: Shannon Phillips

Shannon Phillips won three elections as a progressive woman candidate in Southern Alberta – an accomplishment most would have dismissed as far-fetched just a decade ago. She is an experienced and successful campaigner, organizer and grassroots leader. Shannon represented Alberta on the national and international stage, including leading delegations to UN climate conferences in Paris and Marrakech. She continues to focus on mentoring and training a new generation of activists and candidates.

Shannon brings over two decades of experience in public policy, governance, and leadership in energy and the environment to her role at Meredith Boessenkool & Phillips. Her experience includes serving as the Minister of Environment and Parks and Minister Responsible for the Climate Change Office in Rachel Notley’s 2015 -19 government, where she was responsible for climate policy, conservation expansion, and Indigenous reconciliation efforts. She also established Alberta’s first standalone Ministry for the Status of Women.

Deeply committed to her community, Shannon continues to strengthen her relationship with the Blackfoot people of southern Alberta and is a Blackfoot Headdress holder and recipient of a Blackfoot name. In addition to her work in the community, Shannon serves as an Adjunct Faculty member in the Department of Political Science at the University of Lethbridge and was recognized as a YWCA Woman of Distinction in 2017.

Date/Time: Thursday, October 15, 2026. The presentation begins at 12 noon & concludes at 1 pm.

Free to attend. Donations however, are gratefully accepted.

Location: SACPA sessions are held at Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO), Atrium Dining Room, 500 - 11 Street South, Lethbridge

Lunch and Refreshments: If you like, please arrive early to patronize the LSCO cafeteria and enjoy their excellent variety of good-value food/drink options in the Atrium Dining Room before/during the session