The Alberta government has tabled new legislation proposing significant changes to Alberta’s election laws, which could dramatically reshape the province’s democratic landscape.
Titled Bill 54: The Election Statutes Amendment Act, the legislation introduces a wide range of reforms affecting how Albertans vote, how election results are counted, how political contributions are regulated, and how citizens can initiate referendums—including one on potentially seceding from Canada.
Premier Danielle Smith and Justice Minister Mickey Amery unveiled the proposals during a press conference at the Alberta Legislature. They stated the goal is to “protect, strengthen, and defend” democracy in the province.
The legislation would ban electronic voting machines, such as tabulators, and mandate hand-counting of all ballots. The government argues that this measure is necessary to “protect election integrity” and restore public confidence in electoral outcomes.
Unofficial vote counts would also be required within 12 hours of polls closing, mirroring federal election timelines.
Additionally, vouching at voting stations—a practice allowing someone to verify a voter’s identity in the absence of ID—would be eliminated. Instead, voters would need to cast their ballot in their own constituency or request a special ballot.
Special ballot access would be expanded to all voters, regardless of circumstance, with the stipulation that requests must be made personally—though accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities.
The bill proposes easing the rules for citizen-led initiatives and recall petitions, which could open the door to more grassroots-driven political actions—including calls for Alberta independence.
Under the proposed amendments:
- The threshold for citizen-initiated referendums would be standardized at 10 per cent of eligible voters from the last general election.
- The signature collection period would be extended from 90 to 120 days.
- The MLA recall process would be adjusted to require signatures from 60 per cent of those who voted in the last election, with 90 days allotted to gather them—replacing the current standard of 40 per cent of registered voters.
While Premier Smith reiterated her government does not endorse separatism, she acknowledged that the door is open to a citizen-led referendum on that issue if thresholds are met. “Albertans want to be able to have Alberta sovereignty within a united Canada,” she said, emphasizing the need for “Team Canada to be on Team Alberta for once.”
Perhaps one of the most controversial elements of Bill 54 is the proposed reintroduction of corporate and union donations to political parties and candidates, reversing a 2015 ban implemented by the former NDP government.
To maintain transparency, the legislation promises to uphold current financial disclosure requirements, while setting new spending caps:
- A $5 million limit on party election expenses.
- A $75,000 cap on individual candidate spending.
- A reduction in maximum contributions to third-party advertisers, who will now be required to declare whether they support or oppose referendum questions.
The legislation also aims to enhance access for First Nations and Métis Settlements during Senate elections and referendums.
Other provisions include:
- Requiring scrutineers to have broader observation rights throughout the electoral process.
- Preventing one official agent from representing multiple independent candidates.
- Mandating unpaid leave for municipal councillors and school board trustees seeking provincial office.
- Introducing emergency response protocols for voting disruptions.
The bill’s introduction came just one day after a federal election resulted in a minority Liberal government, sparking fresh concerns in Alberta over federal-provincial tensions.
Premier Smith, addressing questions about the potential for a referendum on separation, pointed to mounting frustration in the province. “I think Albertans are hurt and betrayed,” she said, citing Ottawa’s resource and climate policies as examples of constitutional overreach.
Smith emphasized that while her government is not leading a push for independence, “if citizens want to put a question on a ballot and get enough signatures,” the government would allow that process to proceed.
The opposition has not yet issued a formal response, though critics have already raised concerns about the potential impacts of reintroducing corporate donations and removing the legislative requirement for referendums on constitutional amendments.
Asked about this removal, Smith defended the move by saying the goal is to “speed up citizen-led referendum questions”, not bypass democratic oversight. “Every single question will still require a referendum,” she clarified, saying the change merely eliminates the need for legislative approval to initiate one.
If passed, the changes would come into effect before the next scheduled provincial election, giving Elections Alberta and political stakeholders time to adjust.