'Ridiculous in every way': Critics slam referendum questions as Albertans vote no to time change, yes on equalization
It's not the overwhelming majority Alberta Premier Jason Kenney was hoping for, but he's still saying results of a referendum on whether equalization should be removed from the constitution are a win.
"Today we have heard the results, a clear majority, 62 per cent of Albertans, have rejected the fundamentally unfair equalization program," Kenney said Tuesday.
Just over a million Albertans voted on the equalization question, with 61.7 per cent voting 'yes' to the idea of removing it from the constitution.
The result, however, is non-binding. A change to the national program would require a minimum of seven provincial legislatures -- representing at least 50 per cent of the country's population -- to support it. In addition, the resolution would need to pass a vote in both the House of Commons and Senate.
"In the past, yes, Albertans have expressed frustration. But we've now given Albertans an opportunity to express that in a formal and democratic way to speak powerfully to Ottawa," Kenney said.
The premier says the result opens the door to negotiations with the federal government about the program, but political watchers aren't so sure.
"I suspect that the federal government will not be terribly receptive to this conversation," said Lisa Young, a political scientist at the University of Calgary.
"I don't think they would have been terribly receptive even if the result had been stronger. But this relatively weak result doesn't help the Premier's cause in any way."
SENATE NOMINEES
Albertans also voted for senate nominees in last week's election. The three earning the most support were Pam Davidson, Erika Barootes and Mykhailo Martyniouk. All three are back by the federal Conservative Party of Canada.
Similarly to the equalization vote, the senate results are non-binding. In Canada, prime ministers appoint senators. Alberta currently has five. Three were appointed by Justin Trudeau and two were appointed by Stephen Harper.
"Look, those referenda were ridiculous in every way," former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi said Tuesday afternoon.
"They're purely attempts by Premier Kenney to save his political skin by focusing people on how evil the federal government is. It's actually a big loss for him, he only got 61 per cent agreeing with him to end equalization."
VOTE TO KEEP CHANGING THE CLOCKS
The closest vote was a question about whether to move to Daylight Saving Time year-round.
Just 50.2 per cent of Albertans voted 'no' to the time change question, with a difference of only about 5,000 votes.
The province said it will respect the decision made, no matter how divided people appear to be on the issue, and the twice-yearly time change will continue.
Alberta's clocks will fall back on Nov. 7.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.