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    Referendum

    John Andrus, Executive Director of Project Confederation - this is an excerpt from a presentation he made:

    Back in 1998, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled - in the Quebec Secession Reference - that in the event any province passed a resolution on the floor of their legislature regarding a specific constitutional point, as long as that resolution was clear, that the country had a “duty to negotiate” with that province. This is why the referendum question is worded in this way:

    "Should Section 36(2) of the Constitution Act, 1982 — Parliament and the Government of Canada’s commitment to the principle of making equalization payments — be removed from the Constitution?"

    That’s a clear question. There are those that have proposed changes to the equalization formula, however, that is entirely set and controlled by Parliament - which, as I pointed out earlier, is represented by 199 out of the 338 seats in the House of Commons. Attempts to renegotiate or change the formula would - from a legal perspective - hold no weight, as the Supreme Court ruling in 1998 outlined, since the formula is not in the constitution.

    The principle of equalization, however, is outlined in Section 36(2) of the Constitution - which reads:

    “Parliament and the government of Canada are committed to the principle of making equalization payments to ensure that provincial governments have sufficient revenues to provide reasonably comparable levels of public services at reasonably comparable levels of taxation.”

    So, why a referendum?

    The simplest explanation for this is that, according to Alberta provincial law, as outlined in the “Constitutional Referendum Act,” The Alberta Legislature cannot pass any constitutional resolution without first having the approval of the Alberta public, as ascertained through the holding a constitutional referendum with a clear question. Therefore, according to law, the only way to trigger Ottawa’s duty to negotiate the issue of equalization is to hold a referendum to remove section 36(2) from the constitution, and win that referendum with a clear “Yes.”

    This is by no means a meaningless referendum. It is the opposite. It is entirely necessary in order to advance the cause of independence - whether that be independence within the country or independence outside of it. For Ottawa to ignore the results of the referendum would be a clear signal from them that they do not care, that we are nothing but a colony to them used solely to take our money, minimize our power and rule us as if we are simple subjects without a say. If that’s what they think of us, then it will become clear to the majority of Albertans who voted on October 18 to remove section 36(2) that Ottawa is not listening, and will never listen. This is possibly the most important provincial referendum we have ever voted in.

    The only way to demonstrate clearly that constitutional reform is required to strengthen national unity and give Alberta an equal footing in this perhaps doomed confederation is to win this referendum.

    A loss would be a major setback, not just for those fighting for a fair deal, but for those who believe in independence, too. It is not a “red herring,” nor is it a waste of time. It is absolutely essential to the entire subsection of the Alberta population who believes that Alberta is not getting a fair deal.

    If we lose this referendum, whether you like it or not, we are screwed. And for the separatists who I know are going to be coming at me for this, I leave you with this:

    How do you expect to win a referendum on independence if we can’t even win a referendum on equalization?

    Whether you want more independence for Alberta within Canada or complete independence for Alberta outside Canada, the equalization referendum is only the first step.

    But in either scenario, it is an absolutely necessary step and one we cannot afford to lose.

    So vote yes.

    https://www.projectconfederation.ca/

    #2
    Originally posted by littledoggie View Post
    John Andrus, Executive Director of Project Confederation - this is an excerpt from a presentation he made:

    Back in 1998, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled - in the Quebec Secession Reference - that in the event any province passed a resolution on the floor of their legislature regarding a specific constitutional point, as long as that resolution was clear, that the country had a “duty to negotiate” with that province. This is why the referendum question is worded in this way:

    "Should Section 36(2) of the Constitution Act, 1982 — Parliament and the Government of Canada’s commitment to the principle of making equalization payments — be removed from the Constitution?"

    That’s a clear question. There are those that have proposed changes to the equalization formula, however, that is entirely set and controlled by Parliament - which, as I pointed out earlier, is represented by 199 out of the 338 seats in the House of Commons. Attempts to renegotiate or change the formula would - from a legal perspective - hold no weight, as the Supreme Court ruling in 1998 outlined, since the formula is not in the constitution.

    The principle of equalization, however, is outlined in Section 36(2) of the Constitution - which reads:

    “Parliament and the government of Canada are committed to the principle of making equalization payments to ensure that provincial governments have sufficient revenues to provide reasonably comparable levels of public services at reasonably comparable levels of taxation.”

    So, why a referendum?

    The simplest explanation for this is that, according to Alberta provincial law, as outlined in the “Constitutional Referendum Act,” The Alberta Legislature cannot pass any constitutional resolution without first having the approval of the Alberta public, as ascertained through the holding a constitutional referendum with a clear question. Therefore, according to law, the only way to trigger Ottawa’s duty to negotiate the issue of equalization is to hold a referendum to remove section 36(2) from the constitution, and win that referendum with a clear “Yes.”

    This is by no means a meaningless referendum. It is the opposite. It is entirely necessary in order to advance the cause of independence - whether that be independence within the country or independence outside of it. For Ottawa to ignore the results of the referendum would be a clear signal from them that they do not care, that we are nothing but a colony to them used solely to take our money, minimize our power and rule us as if we are simple subjects without a say. If that’s what they think of us, then it will become clear to the majority of Albertans who voted on October 18 to remove section 36(2) that Ottawa is not listening, and will never listen. This is possibly the most important provincial referendum we have ever voted in.

    The only way to demonstrate clearly that constitutional reform is required to strengthen national unity and give Alberta an equal footing in this perhaps doomed confederation is to win this referendum.

    A loss would be a major setback, not just for those fighting for a fair deal, but for those who believe in independence, too. It is not a “red herring,” nor is it a waste of time. It is absolutely essential to the entire subsection of the Alberta population who believes that Alberta is not getting a fair deal.

    If we lose this referendum, whether you like it or not, we are screwed. And for the separatists who I know are going to be coming at me for this, I leave you with this:

    How do you expect to win a referendum on independence if we can’t even win a referendum on equalization?

    Whether you want more independence for Alberta within Canada or complete independence for Alberta outside Canada, the equalization referendum is only the first step.

    But in either scenario, it is an absolutely necessary step and one we cannot afford to lose.

    So vote yes.

    https://www.projectconfederation.ca/
    A can of worms not related to commodity marketing. But it does touch on the very premise of why there is a confederation of provinces. Tread carefully.

    Comment


      #3
      Expect a loss from the upcoming referendum. People too freaked out from covid to take the kind of risk to better their long term lives. I expect something like 40% yes.

      And with an oil boom coming in to view, we will have missed our last opportunity. Kennys not the guy to lead either outcome. Way too weak and cautious.

      Comment


        #4
        I will of course be supportive of this resolution on the 18th. You would hardly know it is happening as nothing else makes the news other than supposed hospital overload. I guess that is by design. Kenney has been the biggest disappointment ever and it is now obvious that he is not a friend of the people of Alberta but their enemy. It was imperative in 2019 to get rid of red Rachel but now Kenney is doing what Rachel would have done. I certainly did not vote for that. So anyways this is ending up as the silent referendum.

        Comment


          #5
          I wish I lived in Alberta so I could vote and help the cause. Hopefully all the young people will take the torch and vote for separation.The signal needs to be sent, loud and clear.
          Last edited by sumdumguy; Oct 8, 2021, 11:56.

          Comment


            #6
            The equalization referendum is a shell game. It will not go anywhere in Ottawa. It is a popularity game for Kenney.
            A fine idea in principle but useless. What works for Quebec will never be allowed for the rest of us.
            Seriously, do we really want Rachel back? Sounds like it. We should be united in turning our frustrations on Ottawa but instead we will consume ourselves.

            Comment


              #7
              must be hard for Rona who is from Valleyview to watch fellow albertans like Chrysta and Kenney pillage their fine province ?????
              we need politicians like her again

              Comment


                #8
                Tomorrows the day AB. Whats it going to be? Take it from Trudeau for another decade or get some fight in your bones?

                Based on the covid cult response in that province, I expect the referendum to be a big dud that Trudeau will crow about forever.

                Big missed opportunity with a decade long oil supercycle coming into view.

                Comment


                  #9
                  With the amount of new taxes the feds want. 10 paid sick days, raise Cpp. Most employers are in for a real squeeze. The workers and lazy will figure it’s a good thing.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Alberta is a far different place demographically than 20 years ago. Many imports who don’t share the same politics and values like most albertans once did. Oil patch has changed immeasurably since it crashed 6 years ago. Less manpower needed to produce a barrel and less need for oilfield workers. In a way this is good as it then means we don’t need the extra people who have a good chance of being unemployed in downturns. Edmonton can live on itself, Calgary not so much.

                    Comment


                      #11
                      I hope all the guys who depend on the oil patch have talked to their parents and young uns and tells them how important this referendum is. A 60% Yes would open some Eastern eyes. “ When Eastern Eyes Aren’t Smiling”.

                      Maybe need to use Dominion Counting Machines.

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Originally posted by sumdumguy View Post
                        A 60% Yes would open some Eastern eyes. “
                        The referendum isnt for eastern eyes. Its not even for constitutional reform or negotiations. Trudeau will ignore the outcome.

                        Its really a green light from the people to take a much more aggressive stance with ottawa. For some reason Kenny wont just do whats right for the province so he has to have this little referendum as his shield. Its a very weak approach IMO. He better get his azz out this covid funk and find some backbone or Notley will be back in there.

                        Comment


                          #13
                          OMG Alberta what have you done?

                          Sohi in as Edmonton mayor. FFS

                          https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/municipal-election-1.6212915

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Originally posted by jazz View Post
                            OMG Alberta what have you done?

                            Sohi in as Edmonton mayor. FFS

                            https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/municipal-election-1.6212915
                            Why's that Jazz?

                            Because he immigrated from India at 18 with nothing and worked his ass off as a bus driver in Edmonton and got ahead.

                            Pubic office awaits you.

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Looks like some of the bigots aren't happy with the results in Edmonton and Calgary. No surprise there.

                              Here is an exchange on Twitter between Trevor Tombe and economist at the U of C who studies Equalization and Dan McTeaugue

                              Dan McTeague
                              @GasPriceWizard
                              · Oct 14
                              Revenues from Hydro Quebec are not included as govt revenues whereas Ontario Hydro 1 and OPG are. That’s why Quebec is able to show a revenue shortfall that Ontario cannot twitter.com/alexj28833702/…

                              Trevor Tombe
                              @trevortombe
                              This is a very common but entirely false claim. Hydro Quebec revenues are included. 2019/20, for example, included $2.2b from Hydro QC + $800m from water power rentals.

                              As the referendum approaches, it will be increasingly important to get information from reputable sources.

                              Trevor Tombe
                              @trevortombe
                              ·
                              Oct 15
                              Replying to
                              @trevortombe
                              The level of misunderstanding around this program is staggering -- and unfortunately it also seems to be inversely related to the intensity of view about it.

                              Comment

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