By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Alberta’s chief electoral officer is facing pressure from Premier Danielle Smith and Justice Minister Mickey Amery to approve a referendum question on separation without judicial review. The proposed question asks Albertans if they agree the province should become sovereign. The chief electoral officer, however, maintains he is following proper procedure by seeking a court opinion to ensure the question does not contravene the Constitution, which Smith and Amery see as a delay tactic. If approved, the group behind the question would need to gather a significant number of signatures within a four-month period to get the question on the ballot.
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Alberta premier’s request for separation referendum question approval rebuffed, marks a significant development in the ongoing political landscape of the province. This rejection stems from a request by Alberta’s leader, Danielle Smith, for approval of a referendum question regarding potential separation from Canada.
The story of this request, and the rejection, is entangled with a series of controversies surrounding the Premier herself. There are multiple investigations targeting Danielle Smith by the RCMP, these involve accusations of failing to disclose donors and the awarding of substantial contracts to foreign companies without allowing local groups to participate. Furthermore, allegations have surfaced concerning the leadership election.
One of the more contentious points is Smith’s alleged attempts to influence international affairs. She is accused of soliciting support from Donald Trump, seemingly in an effort to sway the outcome of federal elections in favor of candidates more aligned with her views, like Pierre Pollievre. This action is seen as highly inappropriate, potentially illegal, and has been met with significant criticism.
Adding to the complexity are her actions in the realm of healthcare. Her administration has been accused of inflating healthcare costs by imposing contracts on private organizations, alongside reductions in the services provided. Allegations of wasteful spending on items like children’s Tylenol and questionable healthcare deals have further fueled public discontent.
Other issues include the dismissal of AHS board members investigating private healthcare contracts and the subsequent appointment of her own deputy chief of staff to oversee the health minister. There are accusations of political favoritism, with former UCP members being given control of rural hospitals, now operating as facilities with the right to deny abortions.
Other controversial points are accusations that new doctors are forced into practices that don’t align with their education. There are also accusations that the Premier has spent taxpayer money to advocate for separation at rallies and events, and that she has interfered with the justice system.
Further criticisms center on the Premier’s stance on social issues, including the promotion of anti-vaccine policies and measures seen as discriminatory against transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals. Also, accusations of promoting anti-vax policies and funding alternative healthcare, against the backdrop of increased measles cases in the province, have raised concerns about public health. She is accused of siding with pedophiles and pedophile defenders to the detriment of the nation, and reducing funding for education and healthcare.
These actions have led many to question the Premier’s motives and competence, especially given the economic and logistical challenges inherent in Alberta’s potential separation. The idea of Alberta seceding has been portrayed as a distraction from the government’s own shortcomings. Critics also point out the lack of viable cultural or legal grounds for separation, and the potential consequences of such a move.
The Premier’s efforts to create a provincial police force have raised concerns, particularly because the RCMP is currently investigating the scandals she is involved in. Her administration has been accused of making questionable decisions.
The Premier’s actions are seen by some as an attempt to “rile up the base” and a display of political maneuvering, rather than a genuine commitment to separation. The separation talk is seen as a tactic to leverage demands.
Overall, the request for referendum question approval being rebuffed is a direct result of the complex situation that has arisen because of the Premier’s actions. Many Albertans, along with other Canadians, view the separation idea as a waste of time and resources, given the lack of practical and cultural foundation. The prevailing sentiment is that instead of focusing on separation, the government should concentrate on competent governance and address the problems within the province.