New rules have come into effect in Alberta that could make it easier for residents to start a province-wide referendum.
The number of signatures needed for residents to start a referendum is now set at 177,000 signatures, gathered within four months, or 120 days.
This comes as talks of separation ramp up across Alberta.
Earlier this year, the provincial government introduced Bill 54, with one of its components being a lower signature threshold.
Premier Danielle Smith said it would not be holding a referendum on Alberta’s potential separation from Canada until 2026, if enough signatures were gathered.
Separation talks have faced criticism from various groups, including First Nations.
However, the idea of holding a referendum on the subject has received support.
APPLICATION SUBMITTED AND APPROVED
A citizen initiative application submitted by former Progressive Conservative MLA Thomas Lukaszuk has been approved by the Chief Electoral Officer. Lukaszuk represented Edmonton-Castle Downs from 2001 to 2015 and is a former deputy premier.
His application, which was received on June 5 and approved June 30, proposes the referendum question, “Do you agree that Alberta should remain in Canada?”
The application states that a big motivator for its submission is the simple fact that separation is being actively discussed and “since a referendum is imminent anyway, it should be objective and not directed by special interest groups”.
“Separation will threaten the Canadian as well as the Alberta economy, the personal wealth of Albertans, the Canadian citizenship rights of Alberta residents, the treaty rights of our First Nations, and have many other serious and negative consequences,” reads the application. “We believe the majority of Alberta’s residents are loyal Canadians opposed to any form of separation.”
Now that the application has been approved, Lukaszuk has to appoint a chief financial officer by July 30. Once that happens, and a 30-day publication period is up, signatures can start to be collected.
Lukaszuk’s application was submitted and approved ahead of Friday’s change in signature requirements, therefore it falls under the previous rules.
His application will require signatures from 10 per cent of provincial electors on the post-election day list of electors.
According to Elections Alberta, that number was 2,939,762, which means Lukaszuk needs 293,976 signatures, within the old timeline of three months, or 90 days.
COMPETING APPLICATION
Meanwhile, the group Alberta Prosperity Project says it has filed a competing application for a citizen initiative. The group has been touring the province promoting independence.
Their proposed referendum question is, “Do you agree that Alberta shall become a sovereign country and cease to be a province of Canada?”
“Beyond energy, Ottawa has encroached on Alberta’s ability to manage its own affairs,” states the group on its website.
“Sovereignty gives us the tools to keep our resources, grow our economy, and re-invest in Alberta families, business and infrastructure.”
Responding to Lukaszuk’s application, the group said on social media, “This is not our petition. This is a bold attempt by Thomas Lukaszuk to stall our efforts but we will not be deterred.”
Now, the group awaits an update on its application and approval from Elections Canada.
More information on citizen-led initiatives is available at the Elections Canada website.
