With Alberta referendum in sight, the nine other ballot questions are capturing attention
As Alberta approaches a referendum on independence, public attention is shifting toward nine additional ballot questions regarding immigration, voter ID, and constitutional reform. Political groups are divided on whether to oppose these measures or boycott them entirely.
Why it matters
The outcome of these ballot questions could significantly impact Alberta's relationship with the Canadian federal government and its internal social policies.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, shown in Edmonton on Wednesday, has characterized the nine ballot proposals as a tool for leverage over Ottawa. James Maclennan/The Canadian Press
With little more than a week until the Alberta referendum, campaigners on both sides of the separation question have turned an eye toward the nine other ballot proposals around immigration, voter ID and constitutional issues – but they are doing it for different reasons.
Some federalist leaders, claiming early victory on the question around independence, have shifted their energy to persuading Albertans to vote against the nine proposals and have pitched their campaign as a proxy war against Premier Danielle Smith. On the flipside, some separatist camps are suggesting voters boycott the nine questions, arguing their participation would be capitulating to federalism.
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