'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
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.