As the upcoming fall referendum in Alberta draws near, municipalities in the province are prohibited from engaging in campaign activities on the issues at hand. While elected officials have been voicing their opinions on Alberta independence and encouraging residents to vote in a particular manner in the October referendum, they are subject to certain restrictions.
Recently, Edmonton city council supported Mayor Andrew Knack’s motion affirming that Edmonton and Alberta are integral parts of Canada and advocating for Alberta to remain a province within a united Canada. Mayor Knack emphasized the economic repercussions of potential separation from Canada, expressing concerns about the negative impact it could have on the city.
Although mayors and councillors are permitted to take positions on the matter, Alberta legislation prohibits municipalities from fundraising or advertising to support a particular stance. Under the Elections Finances and Contributions Act, municipalities are classified as prohibited corporations and are restricted from acting as third-party advertisers, limiting their financial involvement to under $1,000.
Political science professor Brendan Boyd highlighted the importance of elected officials exercising caution to avoid activities that could be construed as advertising or campaigning. While politicians can express their views and pass motions, they must tread carefully to ensure compliance with the regulations.
Calgary Mayor Jeremy Farkas has taken a firm anti-separation stance, emphasizing the need to resist any moves towards separation and advocating for proactive measures to safeguard the city’s economic interests. In contrast, Calgary Coun. Landon Johnson emphasized the importance of maintaining neutrality and refraining from taking sides to ensure a smooth referendum process.
Elections Alberta recently issued a bulletin to provide clarity on the rules governing municipalities under the Elections Finances and Contributions Act. The bulletin aims to address confusion and misinformation surrounding referendum advertising regulations, underscoring the electoral officer’s commitment to fair and impartial administration.
Despite the existing regulations, there have been calls for changes to allow municipalities to engage in formal campaigning. However, the rules governing the referendum align with those of general elections, prohibiting municipalities from campaigning in support of specific positions or parties. Clarification is needed to distinguish between general discussions about Canada and Alberta and activities that qualify as advertising or campaigning.
