Alberta’s referendum bill is anti-democratic: NDP
Posted June 24, 2020 6:24 am.
EDMONTON – Alberta’s Opposition NDP says a proposed bill that calls for more referendums is an anti-democratic power grab by Premier Jason Kenney.
NDP critic and Opposition House Leader Heather Sweet says it would allow Kenney to game public opinion while introducing big money back into politics.
Sweet says Bill 26 would allow Kenney’s cabinet to determine which issues can go to referendum, how the question is worded, and how, where, and when they are to be held, including during provincial elections.
Well we got this bill today, media wasn’t told and we weren’t briefed. Why you ask? Well this bills allows 3rd parties to now raise $500,000 to advertise on a referendum only the Premier is allowed to call. Yep, big, dark money is back #ableg and Kenney is driving the bus. pic.twitter.com/pDxLi6qZ5F
— Heather Sweet (@heathersweetab) June 23, 2020
The bill proposes allowing third-party advertisers seeking to influence public opinion on a referendum issue to spend up to half-a-million dollars.
Those advertisers would only have to file audited financial statements if they spend over $350,000
Currently, third-party advertisers can spend only $150,000 during a provincial election campaign.
The bill was introduced in the house by Justice Minister Doug Schweitzer, but he was not made available to discuss it.
