Alberta to Hold Referendum on Whether to Hold a Referendum
Albertans will head to the polls this fall to vote on whether to hold a binding referendum on separating from Canada, a procedural manoeuvre that political scientists are calling 'the most Canadian thing imaginable.'
The plan, championed by Premier Danielle Smith, asks voters to approve the holding of a future vote that would then authorize a process that might, eventually, produce a negotiation about possibly leaving. Supporters say it honours democratic principles. Critics say it's a polite way to spend three years yelling at Ottawa.
'We want sovereignty,' said one Calgary rancher, adjusting his hat. 'But we also want a clear ballot question, a fair turnout threshold, an independent oversight committee, and a Tim Hortons within walking distance of every polling station.'
Federal officials have responded with the practised calm of people who have watched this movie before, in both official languages. One staffer in the PMO reportedly filed the separation threat in a folder labelled 'Q3 Weather,' next to wildfire updates and the annual reminder that Quebec also exists.
Meanwhile, Saskatchewan, watching from the next province over, has announced it will form a committee to study the feasibility of forming a committee. Manitoba declined to comment, citing a prior commitment to not being noticed.
The referendum on the referendum is expected to cost $14 million, which Albertans note is roughly what they send to Ottawa every twenty minutes.