Province to add referendum topics, and Senate nominee election to municipal election day

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Albertans will have an opportunity this fall to make their voices heard regarding equalization and daylight saving time during the fall municipal elections.

Albertans will be asked to vote on these two topics, as well as electing nominees to the Senate when they go to vote. 

Premier Jason Kenney said in a statement, he wished to encourage Albertans to get engaged on the topics and have their say.

“Alberta has a long and proud tradition of grassroots, direct democracy. We will renew that tradition this fall … I look forward to taking part in the debate this fall,” he said.

The discussions will revolve around whether Albertans believe the principle of equalization payments should be removed from the Constitution, and whether the practice of changing the clocks for daylight savings should cease.

According to a release from the province, Albertans have contributed more than $400 billion more to the nation than they have received in federal spending over the last 25 years.

The release adds the current program requires contributions from the province to grow automatically with the national economy, regardless of localized economic challenges.

Regarding daylight savings time, the idea is to shift to permanent “summer hours.” Service Alberta put forth a survey in 2019, asking Albertans if they would be in favour of the shift. According to the province’s release, more than 141,000 responded, with 91 per cent in favour.

“Changing our clocks twice a year is something that every Albertan has an opinion on,” said Minister of Service Alberta, Nate Glubish. 

As Alberta first adopted daylight saving time following a referendum in 1971, we owe it to Albertans to give them the same opportunity to make their voices heard now that we are considering another change.”

The Senate elections that will fall alongside municipal elections, and the referendum questions this fall, will see three nominees elected to represent the province. One for each of the current Senate vacancies, and one in case of an early retirement.

The vote on the daylight savings change, equalization payments, and Senate nominees will occur on Oct. 18 in conjunction with municipal elections.