Referendum bill labelled power grab by Alta. NDP

Alberta’s NDP Opposition says a new government bill that calls for broadening the use of referendums is an anti-democratic power grab by Premier Jason Kenney that would allow him to game public opinion while introducing big money back into politics.

Heather Sweet, NDP critic for democracy issues, 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.

The bill would also allow the government to decide whether the referendums are binding or non-binding.

Bill 26 also proposes to allow third-party advertisers seeking to influence public opinion on a referendum issue to spend up to $500,000. 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.

“This puts the power solely in the hands of the premier,” Sweet said after the legislation was introduced Tuesday.

“The UCP is deliberately opening up these laws, with sky-high (spending) limits open to abuse in order to allow anyone to start influencing the public without ever having to say where the money goes.

“This isn’t about strengthening democracy. This is about a premier giving himself the power to create a big-money machine that will allow the UCP’s rich friends and donors to write cheques from the shadows.”

Right now, referendums can only be held on matters related to the Constitution.

Bill 26 would allow those votes to be held on any issue the government deems to be in the public interest.

The legislation, along with a bill to amend Senator-inwaiting elections, were introduced in the house by Justice Minister Doug Schweitzer.

Schweitzer was not made available for an interview.

Kenney, in a statement, said “Albertans continue to tell us that they want a greater say in the politics in this province — and that is what we’re doing.

“This legislation will help us strengthen democracy and increase accountability, giving Albertans a louder voice and a direct impact on the actions of government.”