As the fall referendum in Alberta draws near, cities and towns in the province have been informed that they are not allowed to engage in campaigning on the referendum issues. Elected officials have been vocal about Alberta independence, encouraging residents to vote in a certain way in the upcoming October referendum.
Recently, Edmonton city council supported Mayor Andrew Knack’s motion declaring Edmonton and Alberta as integral parts of Canada and advocating for Alberta to remain a province within a united Canada. Mayor Knack emphasized the economic repercussions of potential separation from Canada, stating that it could bring significant harm to the region.
While mayors and councillors are permitted to express their opinions, Alberta legislation prohibits municipalities from fundraising or advertising to support a specific side in the referendum. According to the Elections Finances and Contributions Act, municipalities are classified as prohibited corporations and are restricted from being third-party advertisers exceeding $1,000 in expenses.
Political science professor Brendan Boyd highlighted the importance of elected officials being cautious about their actions to avoid being perceived as engaging in advertising or campaigning. Calgary Mayor Jeremy Farkas strongly opposed separation and called for a change in legislation to allow municipalities to actively campaign.
On the other hand, Calgary Coun. Landon Johnson emphasized the neutrality of cities and towns in the referendum process, stating that they should focus on ensuring the smooth conduct of the referendum without taking sides. Elections Alberta released a bulletin clarifying the rules for municipalities under the Elections Finances and Contributions Act to address confusion and misinformation surrounding referendum advertising.
Boyd noted that the same rules governing general elections apply to the referendum, emphasizing the need for clarity on distinguishing between general discussions about Canada and Alberta and actual advertising. The debate continues as various stakeholders navigate the regulations around municipal involvement in the referendum process.