With Alberta’s Oct. 19 referendum approaching, most premiers across Canada are not publicly taking a position on the province’s proposed constitutional changes.
The Canadian Press contacted premiers across the country about four constitutional proposals being put to Alberta voters. Many did not respond to repeated requests for comment, while Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe’s office said it would not comment.
The premiers of Canada’s three territories did respond, but none endorsed or rejected the four proposals.
A spokesperson for Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson said the referendum is a matter for Albertans. Nunavut Premier John Main said his territory would closely monitor the results, while Yukon Premier Currie Dixon said he looked forward to hearing what Albertans decide. Dixon separately said he hopes Alberta remains part of Canada.
Albertans will be asked whether the province should pursue constitutional changes involving the appointment of provincial superior-court judges, abolishing the Senate, opting out of certain federal programs without losing associated funding, and giving provincial laws priority over federal laws in some jurisdictional disputes.
Three of the proposals would likely require support from Parliament and at least seven provinces representing at least half of Canada’s population. Abolishing the Senate would require unanimous provincial consent, along with approval from Parliament.
There is some previous evidence of support for changing the judicial appointment process: Smith, Moe, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and then-Quebec premier François Legault jointly called on Ottawa earlier this year to give provinces a greater role in selecting superior and appeal court judges.
The constitutional proposals are four of 10 questions Alberta voters will see on the Oct. 19 referendum ballot.