All Things AB Separatism (split fm Liberal Minority Government 2025 - ???)

[MilEME09]

and in other news, to no surprise..... This gov really needs to come out and say they are separatists. ignore the courts and just do it.......

Alberta Premier Smith, minister call for separation referendum question be approved

Premier Danielle Smith and one of her ministers are calling on Alberta’s electoral officer to reverse course and sign off on a proposed referendum question on separation, saying it shouldn’t be held back by red tape.

www.ctvnews.ca

 

[RangerRay]

and in other news, to no surprise..... This gov really needs to come out and say they are separatists. ignore the courts and just do it.......

Alberta Premier Smith, minister call for separation referendum question be approved

Premier Danielle Smith and one of her ministers are calling on Alberta’s electoral officer to reverse course and sign off on a proposed referendum question on separation, saying it shouldn’t be held back by red tape.

www.ctvnews.ca

Definitely not the actions of someone who favours a united Canada…

 

[QV]

Wouldn't you rather just let the vote happen and a) put the issue to rest, or b) find out a majority support?

The whole country was good with Quebec getting two shots at this...

 

[Blackadder1916]

I would rather that the government followed the law, especially since it is the current bunch that wrote it just a few months ago.

 

[The Bread Guy]

Wouldn't you rather just let the vote happen and a) put the issue to rest, or b) find out a majority support?

The whole country was good with Quebec getting two shots at this...

And you'd be comfortable with a Liberal government wanting to set a national referendum question and, instead of running the question by a judge first, just have its own DoJ and legal apparatus go over things once a question was approved?

and in other news, to no surprise..... This gov really needs to come out and say they are separatists. ignore the courts and just do it.......

Alberta Premier Smith, minister call for separation referendum question be approved

Premier Danielle Smith and one of her ministers are calling on Alberta’s electoral officer to reverse course and sign off on a proposed referendum question on separation, saying it shouldn’t be held back by red tape.

www.ctvnews.ca

Just to add to this, here's what AB's Chief Electoral Officer had to say about the what and why of the referral, for the record:

The Chief Electoral Officer is an independent, non-partisan Officer of the Legislature.

The Citizen Initiative Act permits important questions that have constitutional implications to be put to a referendum. The constitutional referendum question proposed is:

Do you agree that the Province of Alberta shall become a sovereign country and cease to be a province in Canada?

This is a serious and significant question, with the potential to have profound impact on all Albertans.

The Chief Electoral Officer has responsibility under the Citizen Initiative Act to determine if the requirements of s.2 of that Act have been met. One of those requirements set out in section 2(4) of the Act is that “An initiative petition proposal must not contravene sections 1 to 35.1 of the Constitution Act, 1982”.

Given the potential implications of the constitutional referendum proposal and given the Legislature has expressly authorized the Chief Electoral Officer to state a question seeking the opinion of the Court, the Chief Electoral Officer has referred a question to the Court for its opinion.

The Chief Electoral Officer has requested the Court provide an opinion on the following question:

Does the following proposal contravene section 2(4) of the Citizen Initiative Act, in that it contravenes any or all of sections 1 through 35.1 of the Constitution Act, 1982:

“Do you agree that the Province of Alberta shall become a sovereign country and cease to be a province in Canada?”

Without limiting the scope of the question posed, does the proposal contravene any of the following sections?

• Section 1 – The guarantee of the rights contained in the Charter
• Section 3 – Democratic rights of citizens
• Section 6 – Mobility rights
• Section 7 – Right to life, liberty and security of the person
• Section 15 – Equality before and under law and equal protection and benefit of law
• Section 24 – Enforcement of guaranteed rights and freedoms
• Section 35 – Recognition of existing aboriginal and treaty rights

In seeking the opinion of the Court, the Chief Electoral Officer is fulfilling his duty under the Citizen Initiative Act in an independent, neutral and non-partisan manner.

Elections Alberta is an independent, non-partisan office of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta responsible for administering provincial elections, by-elections, and referendums.

Statement also archived here in case original link doesn't work.

 

[Brad Sallows]

Wouldn't you rather just let the vote happen and a) put the issue to rest, or b) find out a majority support?

The whole country was good with Quebec getting two shots at this...

Not my recollection. At least a few people who mattered were genuinely worried, and there was also substantial anger at perceived mishandling of Canada's counter-efforts by Chretien on the second attempt. If you mean the country was "good" with Quebec pursuing a legitimate process in asking the question, perhaps.

 

[QV]

Not my recollection. At least a few people who mattered were genuinely worried, and there was also substantial anger at perceived mishandling of Canada's counter-efforts by Chretien on the second attempt. If you mean the country was "good" with Quebec pursuing a legitimate process in asking the question, perhaps.

Yes I mean that in general terms.

 

[rmc_wannabe]

And you'd be comfortable with a Liberal government wanting to set a national referendum question and, instead of running the question by a judge first, just have its own DoJ and legal apparatus go over things once a question was approved?

Just to add to this, here's what AB's Chief Electoral Officer had to say about the what and why of the referral, for the record:

Statement also archived here in case original link doesn't work.

I think the Chief Electoral Officer is being prudent in his approach, and I think the Court may well deem the initiative would be against the Charter. My main reason is that the aforementioned sections would be violated if Alberta did manage to separate, as Alberta does not have subsequent constitutional protections that are equivalent or greater. Section 35 is a big one.

I think these are problems ANY province would have to face if they planned on separating, and I think the Constitution was shaped in such a way to maintain the integrity of Confederation, more so than build in off ramps for succession.

 

[QV]

There are certainly differences in sentiment with the last Quebec effort vs Alberta's effort. During the last Quebec effort, I recall, there was this sentiment of unity and a more positive public approach to maintaining a united Canada. Whereas the Alberta effort is met with only hostility and a "how dare you" attitude. I'm not sure how the "f**k you" approach will impact things, but it's telling.

 

[Blackadder1916]

There are certainly differences in sentiment with the last Quebec effort vs Alberta's effort. During the last Quebec effort, I recall, there was this sentiment of unity and a more positive public approach to maintaining a united Canada. Whereas the Alberta effort is met with only hostility and a "how dare you" attitude. I'm not sure how the "f**k you" approach will impact things, but it's telling.

How well do you actually remember the sentiment of the country 30 years ago and 45 years ago (when Quebec held referendums)?

And social media back then consisted of bunches of guys sitting around taverns complaining.

 

[rmc_wannabe]

There are certainly differences in sentiment with the last Quebec effort vs Alberta's effort. During the last Quebec effort, I recall, there was this sentiment of unity and a more positive public approach to maintaining a united Canada.

I see no difference in the unified approach or wanting to maintain a united Canada. Including within Alberta proper. Which brings me to your second point...

Whereas the Alberta effort is met with only hostility and a "how dare you" attitude. I'm not sure how the "f**k you" approach will impact things, but it's telling.

The separatist narrative in Alberta is a loud, vocal, and imported minority. I think the "F**k you/ how dare you" approach is towards the select few in government that are pushing this on their citizens (who have been remarkably ho hum about the whole ordeal).

Do I think that Alberta has legitimate gripes, both historical and current? 100 percent. Do I feel the majority of Albertans want to pursue the path of separatism and seeing everything get degrees upon degrees shittier as an "independent" country? Hell no.

 

[Blackadder1916]

A not entirely unique incident in rural Alberta local government but one that further highlights the UCP thumb on the scales of political impartiality.

Alberta county doing damage control with Indigenous neighbours after councillor blasts First Nation

On the shores of Lac La Biche, northeast of Edmonton, a county council meeting went off the rails last week. The cleanup is still ongoing. Lac La Biche Ward 1 Coun. Darlene Beniuk made comments about a neighbouring First Nation that drew immediate condemnation from fellow council members. Beniuk...

edmonton.citynews.ca

It's not the first time (this year) that the county councillor in question has made the news for what she said/did.

Lac La Biche County councillor charged with uttering threats

A Lac La Biche County councillor has been charged with uttering threats after an alleged incident at the April 30 board meeting of the Lac La Biche Gas Co-op.

www.lakelandtoday.ca

What's the UCP government's connection to the story?

Earlier this year, along with Bill 54 that accelerated separation rumblings via petition, Smith's government also introduced Bill 50, the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, a series of legislative changes that impact how municipalities collaborate, govern, administer, and engage in local elections.

Big Changes Ahead: What Bill 50 Means for your Municipality — The NEWS from Alberta Counsel

The Alberta government’s Bill 50, the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act , introduces a sweeping series of legislative changes that will impact how municipalities collaborate, govern, administer, and engage in local elections. While some changes are administrative, others will significantly a

www.albertacounselnews.com

Some of these reforms reshapes how councils operate politically.

One of the most controversial elements of Bill 50 is the repeal of the mandatory councillor code of conduct. . . .

Political parties and candidates can now move money more freely. Bill 50 permits unlimited financial transfers between local political parties and the candidates they endorse.

 

[Blackadder1916]

The early bird catches the worm. The anti-separatists were the first to get their petition approved by Elections Alberta. This was under the old rules (more signatures, shorter time frame - the new rules become effective on Friday) and should delay any petition initiative from the leave Canada camp (only one petition/referendum question on the same issue can be active at the same time). Their question - "Do you agree that Alberta should remain in Canada".

Citizen Initiative Application Approved, Notice of Initiative Petition Issued - Elections Alberta

EDMONTON – Today, Alberta’s Chief Electoral Officer, Gordon McClure, issued a Notice of Initiative Petition. This confirms a Citizen Initiative application has been received and the Chief Electoral Officer has determined the requirements of section 2(3) of the Citizen Initiative Act have been...

www.elections.ab.ca

And the next 'official' step for the petition asking the question "Do you agree that Alberta should remain in Canada?" is reached.

Citizen Initiative Petition Issued - Elections Alberta

EDMONTON – Today, Alberta’s Chief Electoral Officer, Gordon McClure, issued the petition for the “Alberta Forever Canada” citizen initiative. Prior to issuing the petition, the Chief Electoral Officer received, and is satisfied with, the appointment of a Chief Financial Officer for the citizen...

www.elections.ab.ca

 

[MilEME09]

There are certainly differences in sentiment with the last Quebec effort vs Alberta's effort. During the last Quebec effort, I recall, there was this sentiment of unity and a more positive public approach to maintaining a united Canada. Whereas the Alberta effort is met with only hostility and a "how dare you" attitude. I'm not sure how the "f**k you" approach will impact things, but it's telling.

Because all polling indicates Smith and her gov are pursuing this, against the will of the people. Where as Quebec had a significant population pro leaving. Alberta is at most 18%, and thats in rural areas, during the most recent bi elections in urban areas the republican party got less than 1%. They aren't separating with just rural votes, this is literally political games. Ones the people dont want, so yeah F you Smith.

 

[MilEME09]

Alberta separatist lawyer reprimanded, ordered to pay $10K in costs

The Alberta Law Society found Jeffrey Rath had twice violated professional standards and ordered him to pay $10,000 in costs.

edmontonjournal.com

What a lovely bunch they are

 

[brihard]

And the next 'official' step for the petition asking the question "Do you agree that Alberta should remain in Canada?" is reached.

Citizen Initiative Petition Issued - Elections Alberta

EDMONTON – Today, Alberta’s Chief Electoral Officer, Gordon McClure, issued the petition for the “Alberta Forever Canada” citizen initiative. Prior to issuing the petition, the Chief Electoral Officer received, and is satisfied with, the appointment of a Chief Financial Officer for the citizen...

www.elections.ab.ca

They collected their first signatures yesterday.

Getting this petition the signatures it needs and putting the referendum to the voters so there can be a clear majority expression of a desire to stay in Canada will be an important stabilizing thing for Alberta’s economy. Businesses will have a clear indication that they needn’t fear the massive upheaval of provincial separation.

The separatists should be happy about this petition too, because if if it goes to a referendum and they’re right, they’ll still have the opportunity to show they enjoy majority support for separating.

Whatever lets the Alberta voting population clearly show their will on the matter.