Nenshi slams UCP referendum questions during visit

Southern Alberta Newspapers Photo by Patrick Wachter: EVIL PLOT: Naheed Nenshi speaks to NDP supporters in Lethbridge during an evening “Rally the Vote” event on Oct. 3.

By Patrick Wachter
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Alberta New Democratic Party Leader Naheed Nenshi targeted the provincial government on Oct. 3 visits to Medicine Hat and Lethbridge, calling the upcoming referendum questions an “evil plot” designed to stoke division.

An audience of 40 supporters attended the evening event in Lethbridge, where Nenshi addressed concerns regarding the province’s contentious referendum topics and the United Conservative Party approach to immigration and public policy.

Nenshi argues more than 80 per cent of Albertans are unaware of the nine specific questions featured in the referendum, warning that casting ballots without proper context risks long voting lines and unnecessary friction on referendum day.

“These nine questions are all an evil plot by the UCP to continue stoking the fires of separatism with a side dish of stoking the fires of racism and anti-immigrant behaviour,” Nenshi told Southern Alberta Newspapers in an interview ahead of the event. “My message to Albertans is to make it simple on yourself, vote Option 1 to remain in Canada and just vote ‘No’ to the other nine questions.”

Nenshi criticized Premier Danielle Smith and her government for blaming newcomers, temporary foreign workers and immigrants for systemic government challenges in health care and education. He says immigration levels in Alberta are lower now than they have been in decades, suggesting provincial leadership is manufacturing resentment over a problem that has largely been solved.

Nenshi emphasized a pragmatic approach to handling immigration targets centred on labour market needs in sectors like construction, agriculture and hospitality.

“You have to be openminded about it, and you have to understand that there are certain parts of the province and certain industries where you really need these workers,” Nenshi said. “Our approach to this would be very pragmatic and focused on the economic needs of Albertans.”

Addressing comparisons to other jurisdictions, Nenshi questioned whether voters truly want to emulate models that lead to prolonged economic stagnation rather than focusing on regional prosperity.

Nenshi also addressed broader political labels, stating that everyday citizens care less about whether a government is left-wing or right-wing and more about efficient public services, economic development and managing the cost of living.

“You want a government that is there when you need it, with good quality public services, gets out of the way when you do not need it, and you do not have to think about the government all the time,” Nenshi said.