Updated: 20 October 2026, 6:52 p.m. EDT (Toronto) Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday that Ottawa and the provinces can work toward sustainable immigration levels without changing the Constitution, following Alberta’s referendum on immigration powers. Speaking to reporters on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on 20 October, Carney said future immigration policy should be developed with the provinces. CTV News reported his response to questions about Monday’s vote. Carney said he had spoken with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith that morning. Their discussion began with support for people affected by the deadly Wainwright military-base fire before turning to the referendum and shared priorities, including immigration. CPAC’s recording of the press appearance confirms that Carney addressed both the unity vote and the other referendum questions. The remarks set out his proposed approach to federal-provincial co-operation; they did not announce a transfer of immigration powers or new eligibilit...